President William Ruto appoints Prof Patrick Verkooijen new University of Nairobi Chancellor

President William Ruto has appointed Professor Patrick Verkooijen as the new Chancellor of the University of Nairobi.

Prof Verkooijen will serve in his new capacity for the next five years.

“I, William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander in Chief of the Defence Forces, appoint Patrick V. Verkooijen (Prof.) to be the Chancellor of the University of Nairobi, for five years, with effect from the 12th January 2024,” reads a gazette notice.

Professor Verkooijen, who now assumes the position of Chancellor, takes over from Professor Amukowa Anangwe, who has been fulfilling the role of Acting Chancellor.

Before assuming the role of Chancellor, Professor Verkooijen held the esteemed position of Distinguished Chair at The Wangari Maathai Institute for Peace and Environmental Studies at the University of Nairobi. His appointment to this position took place in September 2022.

In addition to his role as Chancellor, Professor Verkooijen holds the positions of CEO at the Global Center on Adaptation and Ban Ki-moon Chair on Climate Adaptation Governance at the University of Groningen.

His prior experience includes serving as the World Bank Group Special Representative on Climate Change.

He holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering, a Master of Science in Philosophy and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Sustainable Development Diplomacy.

Additionally, he has a Master of Public Affairs, International Negotiations, as well as a Doctor of Science, Honoris Causa, of the University of Nairobi in recognition of his long career and achievements in championing climate action globally and shaping bold action at scale in Africa.

SOURCE: NEWS AGENCIES