President William Ruto has appointed Professor Patrick Verkooijen as the new Chancellor of the University of Nairobi, effective February 01 this year.

Prof Verkooijen, Chief Executive Officer of the Global Centre on Adaptation, replaces Professor Amukowa Anangwe, whose tenure has concluded.

While announcing the appointment, President Ruto expressed his enthusiasm for Prof Verkooijen's appointment, highlighting the wealth of experience he brings to the institution.

"He brings a wealth of experience that will help stimulate the University of Nairobi’s growth," Ruto stated.

Prof Verkooijen, a Dutch national, is the first Chancellor of the University of Nairobi from outside Africa.

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His extensive network in educational development and a solid track record in climate adaptation and the green economy is expected to fortify the university's standing as a centre of excellence.

Notably, Prof Verkooijen played a vital role in shaping the Africa Adaptation Acceleration Programme, a joint initiative of the African Development Bank and the Global Centre on Adaptation.

This initiative aims to mobilize $25 billion to accelerate and scale climate adaptation action across the African continent.

Having worked closely with heads of state and government from Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas, Professor Verkooijen has convened multiple summits to advance the climate adaptation cause.

He managed the Global Commission on Adaptation, chaired by Ban Ki-moon and co-led by Kristalina Georgieva and Bill Gates, leading to widespread awareness of the benefits of climate adaptation.

A significant achievement in his career was the conceptualization of the first-ever Climate Adaptation Summit hosted by the Netherlands in January 2021.

His academic background includes a PhD from Wageningen University, an MPA from Harvard, a master's in philosophy from the University of Amsterdam, and an environmental engineering degree from the University of Utrecht Applied Sciences.

With his wealth of experience and global influence, Prof Verkooijen is poised to play a crucial role in advancing the University of Nairobi's academic and research objectives during his tenure as Chancellor.