United States International University-Africa (USIU-Africa) has announced the appointment of Ambassador Dennis Awori as its new Chancellor, effective April 10, 2025.
The university’s Board of Trustees chairperson, Prof. Eileen B. Wilson-Oyelaran, stated that Ambassador Awori will serve a five-year term.
“We are honored to welcome Ambassador Dennis Awori as he takes on this esteemed role,” Prof. Oyelaran remarked. “His leadership will be instrumental in expanding the university’s impact in higher education across Kenya, Africa, and beyond.”
A seasoned diplomat and business executive, Ambassador Awori boasts an illustrious career spanning over four decades across various sectors including mobility, healthcare, renewable energy, agriculture, manufacturing, mining, banking, and technical education.
His extensive experience demonstrates a deep commitment to innovation, strategic leadership, and sustainable development across East Africa and the continent.
Currently, Ambassador Awori serves as the Chairperson and Country Delegate of CFAO Mobility Kenya Limited and CFAO Kenya Limited.
He is also the Executive Director of CFAO SAS (Paris), a subsidiary of Toyota Tsusho Corporation of Japan. His diplomatic service includes serving as Kenya’s Ambassador to Japan from 2004 to 2009, during which he led efforts to establish the Kenyan Embassy in Korea.
Educationally, Ambassador Awori holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautical Engineering from the University of Manchester.
He has completed Management Development Courses at Ashridge University in the UK and Emory Business College in the USA.
His leadership roles extend to chairing the Governing Council of the Kenya Technical Trainers College (KTTC), overseeing its evolution into the Kenya School of Technical, Industrial, Vocational, and Entrepreneurship Training (TVET).
He also played a key role in launching the Toyota Kenya Foundation, the Toyota Kenya Academy, and the David Wambuli Technical Training College.
The Board of Trustees also took the opportunity to commend outgoing Chancellor Dr. Manu Chandaria, recognizing his over two decades of dedicated service.
“Dr. Chandaria’s leadership, support, and commitment have set a high standard for the university,” Prof. Oyelaran noted.
“His contributions include serving as a member of the Board of Trustees, Chair of the Board, and Chancellor, as well as endowing the Chandaria School of Business. We are deeply grateful for his service and look forward to honoring his legacy.”
By Teddy Eugene Otieno
