Biography

Prof. Paul M. Gachanja is an Associate Professor of Economics and the Ag. DVC (Administration and Finance) at Kenyatta University, with over two decades of progressive experience in higher education leadership, policy-driven research, and academic mentorship. He is a distinguished economist with extensive expertise in Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), demonstrated through both advanced professional training and hands-on leadership. He has completed specialized courses in financial modeling, contract negotiation, fiscal risk management, and legal frameworks for PPPs through institutions such as the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the World Bank Group, and Kenya’s PPP Unit. Notably, Prof. Gachanja served as the Coordinator of the Kenyatta University PPP Projects, Kenya’s pioneering student accommodation PPP, valued at over USD 52 million. Under his stewardship, the project adopted a Build-Own-Operate-Transfer (BOOT) model and received Cabinet approval in 2015, setting a precedent for infrastructure delivery in higher education. His strategic leadership in structuring, negotiating, and managing PPPs underscores his standing as a trusted advisor in sustainable public-private collaboration. Prof. Gachanja’s academic expertise lies in Productivity and Efficiency Economics, Microeconomic Theory, and Operations Research, particularly in the context of low-income and emerging economies. His research has influenced curriculum design, national development strategies, and regional policy dialogues. He has consulted for continental and international organizations, including the African Economic Research Consortium (AERC) and COMESA, and has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals, books, and policy forums.