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Dr. Abbas Gullet, Chancellor of Umma University, is an accomplished humanitarian and distinguished leader whose career spans decades of service, management excellence, and institutional transformation. Born in Modogashe in 1959 and raised in Mombasa, he began his journey with the East African Certificate of Education in 1977 and later built a strong academic foundation through advanced management studies. He holds an MBA and a Post Graduate Diploma in Practising Management from INSEAD (1997), and has completed leadership programs at Lancaster University, McGill University, Hitotubashi University, and the Bangalore School of Management. He has also been honored with Doctorates from Egerton University and JKUAT for his contributions to society.
Dr. Gullet’s humanitarian commitment began in high school when he joined the Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS) as a youth volunteer. He went on to serve the organization for many years, eventually becoming its Secretary-General in 2001. Under his visionary leadership, KRCS was transformed into one of Africa’s most respected humanitarian institutions — financially stable, innovative, and self-sustaining. His initiatives included establishing E-Plus Emergency Medical Services, Boma Hotels, and other enterprises that generated reliable income to support humanitarian efforts across Kenya.
Internationally, he has served within the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), including in senior leadership roles that strengthened humanitarian coordination globally. His work has earned him numerous recognitions, including UN Person of the Year (2007), the North-South Prize (2017), and national honours such as OGW and MBS.
As Chancellor of Umma University, Dr. Gullet continues to inspire through his values of service, integrity, and excellence. His diverse educational background, global experience, and lifelong dedication to community welfare make him a transformative figure in both humanitarian and educational spheres.
Background & Expertise:
Dr. Halima Saado Abdillahi holds a PhD in Ethnobotany.
She has an extensive research record, including studies on climate change adaptation, flood forecasting and risk management, natural products and ethnobotany, public health, and community resilience.
Leadership Role:
As Vice-Chancellor of Umma University, she heads the University Management Board.
Under her leadership the university continues to expand — for example, launching a major 10-storey complex (the Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Sumait Complex in Kajiado) to accommodate more students and support expansion of programmes including Health Sciences, Engineering, Technology, Islamic Studies, Business, Education, and Nursing.
Academic Vision & Institutional Commitment:
Dr. Halima represents a commitment to integrating quality higher education with strong moral and Islamic values, consistent with Umma University’s mission to produce “holistic graduates of high value and integrity.”
Her background in research, especially on environmental risks and community resilience, aligns with the university’s ambition to contribute broadly to societal development, ethical leadership, and sustainable progress in Kenya and beyond.
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