United States International University – Africa (USIU-Africa) has announced the appointment of Ambassador Dennis Awori as its new Chancellor, effective April 10, 2025.
In an official circular dated May 14, 2025, the Chairperson of the USIU-Africa Board of Trustees, Professor Eileen B. Wilson-Oyelaran, expressed confidence in Awori’s leadership, noting that his appointment marks a new chapter in the institution’s continued growth and influence in higher education across Kenya and the continent.
“We are honoured to have Ambassador Dennis Awori take on this esteemed role as he helps to guide the university in expanding its impact in higher education in Kenya, on the African continent, and beyond,” stated Prof. Wilson-Oyelaran.
Ambassador Awori brings with him over four decades of experience as a diplomat, business executive, and institutional leader. His distinguished career has spanned various sectors including healthcare, mobility, renewable energy, agriculture, manufacturing, banking, and technical education—primarily across East Africa and the broader African continent.
He currently serves as the Chairman and Country Delegate of CFAO Mobility Kenya Limited and CFAO Kenya Limited, and as Executive Director of CFAO SAS (Paris), subsidiaries of Toyota Tsusho Corporation of Japan.
Ambassador Awori has been instrumental in strengthening technical education in Kenya, having chaired the Governing Council of the Kenya Technical Trainers College (KTTC) during its transition into the Kenya School of Technical, Industrial, Vocational, and Entrepreneurship Training (TIVET). He also played a key role in establishing institutions such as the Toyota Kenya Foundation, Toyota Kenya Academy, and the David Wambuli Technical Training College.
A trained aeronautical engineer, Awori earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Manchester. He has also completed executive development programs at Ashridge University in the UK and Emory Business College in the United States.
He succeeds industrialist Dr. Manu Chandaria, who has served USIU-Africa in various leadership roles over the past 20 years, including as Chancellor, Chair of the Board of Trustees, and Trustee.
“As USIU-Africa welcomes Chancellor Awori, it also wishes to appreciate and honour the outgoing Chancellor, Dr Manu Chandaria, whose leadership, support and commitment to USIU-Africa set a standard worthy of emulation,” the statement noted.
