USIU names ambassador Dennis Awori as chancellor
The Board of Trustees of United States International University – Africa (USIU-Africa) has appointed Ambassador Dennis Awori as the Chancellor, effective April 10, 2025.
In a circular on May 14, 2025, the USIU-Africa Board of Trustees chairperson, Professor Eileen B. Wilson-Oyelaran, stated that Awori will serve in the position for five years.
“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,” read the circular in part.
Ambassador Dennis Awori is a distinguished leader, seasoned diplomat, and accomplished business executive with extensive experience across multiple sectors, including mobility, healthcare, renewable energy, agriculture, manufacturing, mining, banking, and technical education.
His dynamic career spans four decades, prominently across East Africa and the broader African continent, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to innovation, strategic leadership, and sustainable growth.
He is currently the Chairman and Country Delegate of CFAO Mobility Kenya Limited and CFAO Kenya Limited, and Executive Director of CFAO SAS (Paris), subsidiaries of Toyota Tsusho Corporation of Japan.
Prior to his appointment, he served as Kenyan Ambassador to Japan from 2004 to 2009, where he spearheaded the establishment of the Kenyan Embassy in Korea, building strong relationships between Kenya and both Korea and Japan.
He chaired the Governing Council of the Kenya Technical Trainers College (KTTC) as it evolved into the Kenya School of Technical, Industrial, Vocational, and Entrepreneurship Training (TIVET) and was instrumental in launching the Toyota Kenya Foundation, the Toyota Kenya Academy, and the David Wambuli Technical Training College.
Education Background
Ambassador Awori earned his Bachelor of Science degree in aeronautical engineering from the University of Manchester.
He has also undertaken management development courses at Ashridge University in the United Kingdom and Emory Business College in the United States of America.
He replaces Manu Chandaria, who has served the university for over two decades in the capacity of chancellor, board chair, 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. His dedicated service, over more than two decades, includes roles as a member of the Board of Trustees, Chair of the Board of Trustees, and as Chancellor,” read the statement.
He was instrumental in endowing the Chandaria School of Business, among other notable achievements.
