Prof. Egara Kabaji installed as Chancellor of Mount Kigali University

Kigali, Rwanda

Mount Kigali University marked a historic milestone with the installation of distinguished Kenyan scholar Professor Egara Kabaji as its new Chancellor during a colorful ceremony at the Kigali Paramount Hotel. The event signaled a new chapter for the institution, focused on strengthening research, writing, and innovation.

Prof. Kabaji, a celebrated literary scholar and educationist with over three decades of experience, has served as Deputy Vice-Chancellor at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology in Kenya. He is widely recognised for his contributions to African literature, communication and higher education, with more than 52 books and numerous scholarly works to his name. He holds a PhD in Folk Media and Communication from the University of South Africa, alongside advanced degrees in strategic management and literary studies.

In his inaugural address, Prof. Kabaji described his appointment as both historic and transformative.

“This is not just a personal honor but a collective commitment to the future of African scholarship,” he said. “Mount Kigali University must go beyond teaching to become a hub of ideas, a laboratory of thought, and a crucible for innovation.”

He lamented that less than 3% of global scientific publications come from Africa and pledged to foster a strong culture of research and publication. To this end, he donated 22 million Rwandan francs to establish two internationally indexed journals, one in humanities and social sciences and another in science and technology. 

He also announced the creation of the Mount Kigali University Press and donated copies of his 52 books to the university library.

“Let us write. Let us research. Let us publish. Let us make Mount Kigali University a lighthouse of knowledge shining from the heart of Kigali to the world,” he declared to applause.

Dr. Innocent Mugisha, Chairman of the University Governing Body, hailed the installation as a defining milestone.

“Prof. Kabaji’s record in scholarship, mentorship, and leadership uniquely positions him to guide this university into a new era of intellectual excellence,” he said.

Mount Kigali University Founder and Chairman, Prof. Simon Gicharu, echoed these sentiments, calling the event a transformative moment in the institution’s history.

“Prof. Kabaji is not just a leader but an embodiment of academic values. Integrity, scholarship, and vision. His passion for writing and mentorship aligns perfectly with our mission to not only teach but also generate knowledge,” he said, citing Kwame Nkrumah’s words: “We face neither East nor West. We face forward.”

Over the years, Mount Kigali University has invested heavily in infrastructure and academic resources, including an 8-floor tuition block, modern laboratories, student hostels, a medical center and Royal FM, a student-led media platform. It has also aligned its programs with Rwanda’s development agenda, offering competency-based education in health sciences, business, technology and education.

Looking ahead, the university plans to scale up Masters and PhD programs, establish centers of excellence in entrepreneurship, climate action and digital innovation, host Pan-African research conferences and promote a culture of scholarly writing.

“We do not aspire to be the biggest, but the most impactful,” Prof. Gicharu affirmed.

With Prof. Kabaji at the helm, Mount Kigali University projects confidence in its future as a student-centered institution with both local and global reach.