Rev. Prof. Elias Omondi Opongo, SJ becomes Rector and Vice-Chancellor of Catholic University of Eastern Africa

Rev. Prof. Elias Omondi Opongo, SJ, assumed office as the new Rector and Vice-Chancellor of the Catholic University of Eastern Africa on Tuesday, September 1, 2026. His appointment follows the end of the term of the former Vice-Chancellor, Very Rev. Prof. Stephen Mbugua Ngari.

The university held a transition ceremony preceded by Holy Mass to mark the leadership change. During the event, Bishop Mark Kadima of the Catholic Diocese of Bungoma, who serves as the Chair of the University Council, urged Prof. Opongo to remain available, reliable, and persevering. Bishop Kadima also asked the university staff and the broader community to cooperate with the new Vice-Chancellor as he leads the institution.