Management Board

PROF. ROMANUS ODHIAMBO, Ph.D
VICE CHANCELLOR
Prof. Romanus Odhiambo was appointed as the Vice Chancellor of Meru University of Science and Technology on 18th July, 2018. Prof. Romanus Odhiambo has over 26-years progressive experience in academics, research and leadership with over 18 years in senior leadership positions. Throughout these years he has observed fidelity to diligence and integrity. Prof. Odhiambo is a member of International Biometric Society (IBS), Institute of Mathematical Statistics (IMS), Kenya Inter-University Association of Mathematicians and Computer Scientists and Specialized Committee of Science Education in East Africa coordinated by Inter University Council of East Africa (ICUEA).
Prof. Odhiambo has also participated in Curriculum review for the Commission for University Education. Some of the programmes he has reviewed include MSc. Statistics, MSc. Applied Mathematics, MSc. Pure Mathematics and Actuarial Science and BSc. Mathematics and Economics. Prof. Odhiambo has been involved and continues to be involved in the supervision of Ph.D and Masters’ theses examinations. To date, he has supervised over 27 Ph.D students and 32 Masters’ students to completion. His current research interests include: Robust estimation in finite population; multiplicative bias reduction; artificial neutral network; quantile regression, non-parametric regression for finite population inference; small area estimation; handling non-responses; handling measurement errors; estimating finite population; total mean and variance under various sampling designs and robust estimation. In relation to these topics, Prof. Odhiambo has published 46 articles and participated in over 22 national and international conferences and workshops. He has also co-authored 5 undergraduate textbooks.
In his career, Prof. Odhiambo has distinguished himself in organization’s development and management aspects such as resource mobilization, fund raising, projects management and leading change.

PROF. HILDA NYOUGO OMAE, Ph.D.
DEPUTY VICE CHANCELLOR, ADMINISTRATION, FINANCE AND PLANNING
Prof. Hilda Nyougo Omae is a visionary academic leader and accomplished administrator, serving as the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Administration, Finance, and Planning at Meru University of Science and Technology. She brings unparalleled expertise in educational leadership, strategic institutional management, and innovative administration, driving excellence across the University’s operations.
Throughout her distinguished career, Prof. Omae has held pivotal leadership roles, including Dean of the School of Education, Chair of the Education Science Department, and Teaching Practice Coordinator. She is deeply committed to advancing academic excellence, fostering research innovation, and building efficient administrative systems that empower both staff and students.
Prof. Omae holds a Ph.D. in Measurement and Quantitative Methods and an M.A. in K-12 Education Administration from Michigan State University, USA, along with a B.Ed. (Science) in Mathematics and Chemistry from Egerton University, Kenya. Her work exemplifies transformational leadership, integrity, and a relentless pursuit of institutional advancement.
PROF. SIMON THURANIRA Ph.D
DEPUTY VICE CHANCELLOR, ACADEMIC AND STUDENT AFFAIRS
Prof. Simon Thuranira has over 20 years of experience in Administration and Teaching at the University level. He currently serves as the Ag. Deputy Vice-Chancellor – Academic and Student Affairs (ASA) at Meru University of Science and Technology (MUST). Prof. Thuranira holds a Ph.D in International Education Policy from University of Maryland -USA, Master of Education and Bachelor of Education both from Kenyatta University -Kenya. Areas of research and specialization include Educational Leadership and Management, International and Comparative Education and Teacher Education. He served as Chairman of Education Department at Kenya Methodist University, a Consultant at the International Reading Association-Washington DC and at US-Africa Initiative on Higher Education – Washington DC. He was the founding Chairman of the Department of Education and Social Sciences at the University of Embu. Prof. Thuranira also taught at the University of Maryland-USA. He has been a visiting Professor at Purdue University – Fort Wayne, U.S.A in 2017 and Carnegie Scholar in 2015. Prof Thuranira has published several books, book chapters and articles in refereed Journals. He has also supervised over 40 post graduate students
Dr. ELIJAH WALUBUKA, Ph.D
REGISTRAR (ADMINISTRATION AND PLANNING)
Dr. Elijah Walubuka holds a Bachelors degree from Daystar University, a Masters degree from Egerton University and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Business Management and Administration from Kabarak University. Dr. Walubuka is a career administrator with over 15 years of Senior Management experience. He previously worked for Childcare International – Kenya as the County Director in charge of Child Sponsorship. He has served as a Senior Assistant Registrar and Deputy Registrar at Meru University of Science and Technology (MUST). Dr. Walubuka is a full member at the Institute of Human Resource Management (IHRM), Kenya Institute of Management (KIM) and the National Quality Institute (NQI). He is currently the Management Representative.
DR. STEPHEN KARANJA, Ph.D
REGISTRAR (ACADEMIC AND STUDENT AFFAIRS)
Dr. Stephen Mbugua Karanja serves as the Registrar (Academic & Student Affairs) at Meru University of Science and Technology, where he provides leadership in academic administration, student affairs, and institutional governance. Reporting to the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic, Research, and Student Affairs), the Registrar drives the strategic coordination of academic and student systems that underpin the University’s mission of excellence in education, research, and innovation.
The Registrar provides vision and direction in the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of academic policies, procedures, and systems that support teaching, learning, and assessment. The office plays a pivotal role in academic planning and development, curriculum processes, programme coordination, examinations management, certification, and graduation, ensuring that academic operations remain efficient, credible, and aligned with national and international quality standards.
Central to the role is the stewardship of the University’s academic and student records framework, safeguarding the integrity, security, and reliability of academic data. Through leadership of admissions, registration, examinations, transcripts, and certification processes, the Registrar promotes institutional accountability, regulatory compliance, and service excellence.
Beyond academic administration, the Registrar advances a student-centred vision that recognizes the holistic needs of learners. The office coordinates key aspects of student affairs, including admissions and records, student welfare, counselling, discipline, recreational programmes, co-curricular development, and student healthcare services. This integrated approach supports a vibrant academic environment that nurtures student success, wellbeing, and personal growth.
The Registrar also provides strategic oversight of academic support services, fostering synergy between academic programmes, library services, learning resources, and the allocation of academic facilities. Through collaborative engagement with academic leaders, faculty, and administrative units, the office champions innovation, operational effectiveness, and the optimal utilization of institutional resources.
Academic quality and standards remain a defining priority of the Registrar’s leadership. The office guides programme accreditation, academic policy development, quality assurance mechanisms, and performance management processes that sustain the University’s commitment to producing competent, competitive, and globally responsive graduates.
As Secretary to the Senate committees, the Registrar provides governance leadership and institutional advisory support on academic regulations, policies, and strategic academic matters. This function strengthens shared governance, informed decision-making, and coherence in the University’s academic direction.
Dr. Karanja’s leadership philosophy is grounded in integrity, innovation, professionalism, and collaboration. He is deeply committed to modernizing academic systems, leveraging technology-driven solutions, and fostering responsive administrative practices that enhance institutional effectiveness, student experience, and academic excellence.
MR. NEPHAT NJERU
FINANCE OFFICER
Nephat Njeru holds a Masters Degree in Business Administration (Finance) from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) and a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) from Kenyatta University. He is also a Certified Public Accountant. Prior to joining Meru University of Science and Technology in June 2009 Mr. Njeru was an accountant in Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT).