Egara Kabaji sworn in as Mount Kigali University Chancellor

A New Era for Mount Kigali University

Mount Kigali University celebrated a historic moment on October 9, 2025, as it welcomed Professor Egara Kabaji as its first Chancellor. The ceremony took place at the Kigali Paramount Hotel in Kigali, Rwanda, marking a significant turning point for the institution. This milestone signals a new chapter for the university, one focused on enhancing its global academic reputation through research, writing, and innovation.

Professor Kabaji is a well-respected figure in the field of African literature, communication, and higher education. With over three decades of experience, he has held various leadership roles, including Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) in Kenya. His contributions to African scholarship and the preservation of indigenous knowledge systems have made him a prominent voice in the academic community.

A Scholar with a Distinguished Career

Prof Kabaji’s academic achievements are impressive. He holds a PhD in Folk Media and Communication from the University of South Africa (UNISA), an MBA in Strategic Management from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), a Master of Arts in Literary Studies from Kenyatta University, and a Bachelor of Education in Literature and English from the same institution. In addition, he has authored over 52 published works and numerous scholarly articles, further cementing his status as a leading academic.

During his inaugural address, Prof Kabaji emphasized that the true measure of a great university lies not in its size or wealth, but in its capacity to generate new knowledge, challenge assumptions, and provide solutions to societal problems. “Great universities are known for their ability to ask difficult questions and offer innovative solutions,” he stated. He expressed his vision for Mount Kigali University to become a leader in producing knowledge that transforms lives.

A Call to Strengthen Research and Publication

Prof Kabaji urged the academic community in Rwanda to foster a culture of research and publication, which he described as the moral and intellectual foundation of any university. “A university without a culture of publication is like a lamp without oil,” he said. “Its light is dim and fleeting.”

Dr Innocent Mugisha, Chairman of the University Governing Body, hailed the installation of Prof Kabaji as a defining milestone in the evolution of Mount Kigali University. He praised the professor’s record in scholarship, mentorship, and leadership, stating that it positions him uniquely to guide the university into a new era of intellectual excellence. Dr Mugisha reaffirmed the Governing Body’s commitment to strategic oversight, accountability, and upholding academic freedom as the driving force of creativity and intellectual exploration.

Leadership and Vision for the Future

Prof Simon Gicharu, founder and Chairman of the Board of Directors of both Mount Kigali University and Mount Kenya University, described the ceremony as a pivotal moment in the history of Mount Kigali University. He noted that the event confirms the institution’s mission to transform lives. “This is not an ordinary event,” he said. “Prof Egara Kabaji is a renowned scholar, celebrated author, and respected academic leader.”

He added that Prof Kabaji’s appointment reflects the words of Kwame Nkrumah: “We face neither East nor West. We face forward.” The theme of the ceremony, “Promoting Scholarly Writing for University Posterity,” was deemed timely and necessary, especially as African universities strive to decolonize curricula and assert intellectual sovereignty.

The Role of the Chancellor

According to Prof Gicharu, the Chancellor plays a vital role in embodying rich academic values, safeguarding the institution’s vision, and upholding academic integrity. “Prof Kabaji’s passion for writing, publishing, and academic mentoring gives our university a definite compass and a mission that is second to none,” he said. This aligns with the belief in a faculty that not only teaches but also engages with the community and creates knowledge.