By KPC Reporter
Kigali, Rwanda – June 13, 2025 —
Renowned Kenyan scholar and literary communicator Prof. Egara Kabaji has been appointed the Chancellor of Mount Kigali University, a rising academic institution positioning itself as a future hub of excellence in East Africa.
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The announcement has been met with praise across the academic and creative sectors in the region.
In a statement, the Creative Writers Association of Kenya (C-WAK) described the appointment as “momentous” and a powerful recognition of Prof. Kabaji’s lifelong commitment to academic excellence, cultural preservation, and the creative industry.
“This appointment is not just a personal milestone for Prof. Kabaji,” said C-WAK Secretary General Barack Wandera.
“It is a profound statement about the future of higher education in East Africa and across the continent.”
Prof. Kabaji is celebrated for his decades-long contribution to African scholarship, where he has been a prominent voice at the intersection of literature, communication, and public thought.
A respected academic, former broadcaster, and mentor, he has championed the role of the humanities in nation-building and social transformation.
Creative sector
Mount Kigali University’s decision to appoint Prof. Kabaji is seen as part of a broader vision to establish itself as an ‘Ivy League’ institution in Africa—rooted in local realities yet globally competitive in its approach to education, innovation, and leadership.
C-WAK noted that the appointment also serves as a validation of the creative sector, which is often overlooked in policy and development circles.
“Literature, theatre, film, storytelling, and cultural expression are not only legitimate fields of study but essential drivers of transformation,” Wandera said, adding that he “would not be surprised if Kigali becomes the Hollywood of Africa.”
As Chancellor, Prof. Kabaji is expected to play a key role in shaping the intellectual and ethical direction of Mount Kigali University.
His leadership, according to C-WAK, will further entrench the institution as a center of scholarship grounded in African identity while embracing a global vision.
Prof. Kabaji’s appointment marks a significant milestone for regional academia, and many observers view it as a step toward redefining university leadership in Africa.
