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PROF. MWENDA NTARANGWI
VICE CHANCELLOR, USIU-A
Running a corporation and leading an institution of higher learning may seem like entirely different worlds, but in reality, the stakes are much the same. While a CEO is tasked with steering a company to financial success, a vice-chancellor is entrusted with a much deeper responsibility: moulding the very individuals who will one day steer those companies. Leadership in higher education, therefore, is arguably even more vital, as it is the crucible in which future leaders are forged.
Prof. Mwenda Ntarangwi was appointed Vice-Chancellor (VC) of the United States International University – Africa (USIU-Africa) in July 2024, and, notably, stands as the first Kenyan to hold this position in the institution’s impressive 55-year history. His appointment marked a transformative era for USIU-Africa, a prestigious institution renowned for its commitment to academic excellence and its unique dual accreditation, which combines the best of American and Kenyan educational systems. For decades, USIU-Africa has shaped bright minds, and now, under Prof. Ntarangwi’s leadership, it stands at the cusp of a new chapter.
With three decades of experience across academia, research, and leadership in Kenya, Liberia, and the United States (US), Prof. Ntarangwi has cultivated a leadership style grounded in human-centric values.
Known for his empathetic approach to leadership, Prof. Ntarangwi views education as more than a profession, he believes it to be a calling; one that demands both the head and the heart. His philosophy of leadership, much like his academic work, is driven by the desire to nurture individuals, support communities, and create meaningful change.
Prof. Ntarangwi’s journey began humbly. He pursued a Bachelor of Education (BEd) degree in Language at Kenyatta University (KU) before continuing to earn a Master of Arts (MA) degree in Kiswahili, a subject close to his heart as a language educator. He then found himself across the globe at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he completed a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Cultural Anthropology. His dual expertise in language education and cultural anthropology gives him a unique lens through which he views the world. It combines the power of communication with an understanding of cultural dynamics.
Before joining USIU-Africa, Prof. Ntarangwi held several prominent roles, including serving as the CEO of the Commission for University Education (CUE) in Kenya, where he was instrumental in transforming the Commission from a regulatory body focused on compliance, to one that embraced partnerships with universities to foster progress. His efforts in accreditation reform played a significant role in raising the quality of university education in Kenya. This period showcased his ability to lead large, complex organisations, while his scholarly pursuits highlighted his intellectual curiosity and passion for youth development.
A renowned cultural anthropologist, Prof. Ntarangwi has authored nine books and numerous academic papers that have been assigned in universities worldwide. His writing spans various topics, but it often circles back to one overarching theme: understanding African youth and their engagement with popular culture. As he once stated, “I am a cultural anthropologist interested in how popular cultural performance shapes meaning, especially among youth in Africa.”
More than being academic, this focus on youth informs the professor’s entire approach to leadership. Understanding the aspirations, struggles, and cultural contexts of young people enables the empowerment of the next generation of African leaders.
His notable publications, such as Engaging Children and Youth in Africa: Phenomenological and Methodological Issues and East African Hip Hop: Youth Culture and Globalization, delve into how cultural realities, especially through music and performance, influence identity and societal roles among African youth. His work is as much about scholarship as it is about activism – helping African youth find their voice and place in an increasingly globalised world. He has always believed that education, when paired with empathy and cultural understanding, can be a transformative tool for both individuals and society.
Beyond his academic and professional credentials, what truly sets Prof. Ntarangwi apart is his personal approach to leadership. His love for music, which he calls ‘the key to his contentment’, mirrors his leadership philosophy. Much like a well-composed piece of music, effective leadership requires harmony, balance, and timing. Whether mentoring students, supporting faculty, or working on institutional policy, Prof. Ntarangwi strives to create a leadership ‘symphony’ that benefits all stakeholders. His personable nature and lateral thinking make him an approachable and relatable figure, qualities that inspire both trust and loyalty among those he leads.
As the first Kenyan Vice-Chancellor of USIU-Africa, Prof. Mwenda Ntarangwi is set to lead the university to new heights, with a clear vision of fostering academic excellence while preparing students for success in an ever-evolving global landscape. His leadership is expected to bring a renewed focus on inclusivity, grounded research, excellence, integrity, and the development of critical 21st-century skills.
AUTHOR: DR. HANNINGTONE JOEL GAYA
EDITOR: KAREN NDUKU
