By Njeri Irungu,
13 April 2026,
Nairobi, Kenya.
Lecturers at the University of Nairobi have raised alarm over a prolonged leadership vacuum and mounting financial challenges, warning that the institution risks further decline without urgent intervention.
In a statement issued by the Universities’ Academic Staff Union (UASU) — University of Nairobi Chapter, the union criticized the continued reliance on acting officials to steer the country’s oldest public university. The Vice-Chancellor position has remained unfilled substantively since September 2024, with all Deputy Vice-Chancellor roles also held in an acting capacity.
According to the union, the absence of permanent leadership has weakened decision-making structures and undermined the university’s stability at a critical time.
The concerns come against the backdrop of a worsening financial situation. A February 2026 report by the Controller of Budget revealed that the University of Nairobi is grappling with debts exceeding KSh 15.9 billion — the highest among Kenya’s public universities. UASU faulted the institution’s leadership for failing to publicly address the findings or outline recovery measures.
Lecturers say the effects of the crisis are already evident, citing declining staff welfare, strained student services, and a gradual erosion of academic standards and institutional reputation.
The union also questioned the apparent disparity in government intervention across universities. It pointed to the recent KSh 6 billion bailout extended to Moi University, arguing that the University of Nairobi — despite facing a larger debt burden — has not received comparable support.
UASU further raised concerns over the silence of key stakeholders, including the University Council, alumni, and senior government officials linked to the institution. The union singled out William Ruto and John Mbadi — both alumni — urging them to take decisive action to safeguard the university’s future.
The union noted that the Public Service Commission of Kenya has already completed two rounds of interviews for top leadership positions, yet no appointments have been finalized — a delay it described as unacceptable.
To address the crisis, UASU outlined several demands, including the immediate appointment of a substantive Vice-Chancellor and deputies, proactive engagement by the University Council, and swift action by the Ministry of Education under Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba to conclude the recruitment process.
The union also called for increased government funding and a financial rescue package in the upcoming national budget to stabilize the institution and avert potential collapse.
UASU warned that failure to act could have far-reaching consequences, noting that the decline of the University of Nairobi would represent a significant setback for Kenya’s education sector and broader socio-economic development.
“The future of this institution must be secured,” the union said, emphasizing the need to restore the university’s standing as a pillar of higher education in the country.
