Professor Daniel Mugendi is the Vice Chancellor, University of Embu. He has a remarkable and rewarding career in academia, research, education and training sectors, spanning over more than three decades. He brings tremendous knowledge and expertise to the Higher Education Loans Board based on his vast experience and knowledge.

He began his professional journey as a Researcher with the Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI) in July 1986 and made enormous professional and academic progress. Later, he joined Kenyatta University (KU) in 1999, where he rose through the ranks of academic and professional leadership. He served in various administrative positions and responsibilities including being the Chairman of the Department of Environmental Foundations, Dean of the School of Environmental Studies and Human Sciences and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Finance, Planning and Development) in Kenyatta University.

Apart from serving as the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Embu, Prof. Mugendi is the Chairman, Vice-Chancellor’s Committee of Public Universities in Kenya.  He was honoured with a prestigious State Award in the rank of the Elder of the Burning Spear, EBS. He also holds the following positions: A member of the Strategic Committee, Education Collaborative East Africa Hub, Board Member of Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS). In addition, he is a member of the selection panel on appointment of a Chairperson for the National Commission for Science and Technology Board of Directors, Governing Board Member of the Regional Research and Development Working Group of the East African Science and Technology Commission, Chairman of Tree Biotechnology Program Board of Trustees (TBPT), Member of the FOCUS Kenya Advisory Committee, and a Lead Expert in Environmental Impact Assessment/Audit.

Prof. Mugendi has also served in other leadership capacities such as Chairman, Board of Directors of Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI), Member of National Environment Council (NEC), Regional Secretary General and Chairman of the Soil Science Society of East Africa, Secretary and Chairman to the Kenya Chapter of Soil Science of East Africa, Member of the Editorial Board of Agricultural Systems Journal and the Chairman, Africa Network (AfNet) of Tropical Soil Biology and Fertility Programme (TSBF), among other key leadership roles.