Dr. James Mworia was appointed as Chancellor of Machakos University in the year 2016. Upon assuming office, he presided over the University’s Inaugural Graduation Ceremony that was held on 7^th October 2016. The ceremony coincided with the Institution’s receipt of her Charter from the Commission for University Education (CUE). Over the years, he has overseen nine graduation ceremonies, marking the academic achievements of thousands of students.  He is a distinguished professional with multiple qualifications, including:

• Advocate of the High Court of Kenya
• Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Charter Holder
• Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA)
• Fellow of the Kenya Institute of Management (KIM)
• Member of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK)

Besides his role as Chancellor of the University, Dr. Mworia serves as the Group Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Centum Investment Company Limited, a position he has held since 2008. Centum is the largest listed investment company in East Africa, managing assets worth approximately USD 1.8 billion.

In recognition of his outstanding contributions to business and education, Machakos University awarded him an honorary doctorate during her inaugural ceremony in 2016, the same year he became Chancellor. He was reappointed as the Chancellor of the University in April 2022 for a second five-year term.

Under Dr. Mworia’s tenure, Machakos University has prioritized academic growth and student empowerment. One of his notable contributions is the establishment of a Chancellor’s scholarship Scheme in 2016 to support financially constrained students pursuing STEM-based programs (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). The initiative, aimed at strengthening capacity in STEM fields, has so far empowered 101 students, with 78 already graduated, and some have successfully secured gainful employment in the job market. The scholarship primarily supports high-performing but needy students in the following Schools:

• School of Engineering & Technology
• School of Pure & Applied Sciences

Dr. James Mworia has been instrumental in shaping Machakos University into a premier institution of higher learning. His commitment to education, innovation and student empowerment continues to drive the University’s success. His initiative to support STEM programmes through the Chancellor’s Scholarship Scheme and his vast expertise in business and finance, is in tandem with Machakos University’s tagline, “Co-Creating Sustainable Futures,” working hand-in-hand with students and stakeholders to build a lasting impact.

I am deeply grateful for the Machakos University Chancellor’s Scholarship, which played a crucial role in my academic journey. Without this support, I would not be where I am today.

I was fortunate to receive the scholarship three times, and each time, it came at a critical moment. There was a point when I was on the verge of deferring my studies due to financial constraints. However, the Chancellor’s Scholarship gave me the opportunity to continue my education without interruption.

I am deeply grateful to the Chancellor’s Scholarship of Machakos University for the unwavering support it has provided toward my education since my second year, enabling me to continue my studies without the constant financial burden. As the firstborn in a family of eight, it has always been a challenge for my family to raise the funds for my education, especially considering our financial struggles. I used to find it difficult to balance my academic responsibilities with the need to seek financial assistance, often applying for county bursaries without success. I was unsure how I could continue my education, but the scholarship came through.