The United States International University – Africa (USIU-Africa) has appointed Dennis Awori as its new Chancellor, succeeding renowned industrialist Dr. Manu Chandaria. Awori’s appointment, which was officially announced by the university’s Board of Trustees on Wednesday, May 14, will span a five-year term beginning April 10, 2025.
Eileen Wilson-Oyelaran, Chairperson of the USIU-Africa Board of Trustees, lauded Awori as a distinguished leader and accomplished business executive. She highlighted his four-decade-long career across multiple sectors including mobility, healthcare, renewable energy, manufacturing, and education, noting his unwavering commitment to innovation, strategic leadership, and sustainable development throughout East Africa and the wider continent.
Awori holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautical Engineering from the University of Manchester and has undertaken Management Development courses at Ashridge University in the UK and Emory Business College in the USA. His contributions to education and youth empowerment are notable, particularly through his leadership in establishing the Kenya School of Technical, Industrial, Vocational, and Entrepreneurship Training (TIVET), as well as founding the Toyota Kenya Foundation, Toyota Kenya Academy, and the David Wambuli Technical Training College.
Currently, Awori serves as Chairman and Country Delegate of CFAO Mobility Kenya Limited and CFAO Kenya Limited, companies with footprints in all 54 African nations. He is also the Executive Director of CFAO SAS (Paris), affiliated with Toyota Tsusho Corporation of Japan.
His diplomatic service includes a tenure as Kenya’s Ambassador to Japan (2004–2009), during which he facilitated the establishment of Kenya’s embassy in South Korea and strengthened bilateral relations with both nations. Awori’s community leadership is further reflected in his past roles as President of the Rotary Club of Nairobi East, President of the Nairobi Club, and Chairman of both the Kenya and Uganda Rugby Unions.
In her closing remarks, Oyelaran extended deep appreciation to outgoing Chancellor Dr. Manu Chandaria, praising his inspirational leadership and longstanding dedication to USIU-Africa. Awori’s appointment marks a new chapter for the university, promising dynamic leadership aligned with global best practices and a strong vision for educational excellence.
