University of Nairobi remains ‘Kenya’s gold standard’

Graduants at a past ceremony.

By FELIX OLICK

Kenya: University of Nairobi (UoN) Vice Chancellor George Magoha has dismissed speculations that the institution has been toppled as the premier university in Kenya.

Pointing at last month’s ranking of global universities by Spanish Research firm Webometrics that placed them first in Kenya and 14th in Africa, Magoha maintained that UoN remains ‘Kenya’s gold standard’.

“It is important that the government realises that this university is not like others. This is the gold standard for this country,” Prof Magoha said as the university marked its 49th graduation ceremony yesterday.

And shortly after the VC’s speech, Education Cabinet Secretary Jacob Kaimenyi announced that local rankings to be spearheaded by the Commission for Higher Education would begin soon. “Competition is healthy. The Commission for Higher Education would soon begin local ranking of our universities,” said Prof Kaimenyi, who was the university’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor-Academic Affairs until his appointment recently.

There has been speculation that Kenyatta University, which has lately expanded rapidly, could topple UoN as the country’s most prestigious institution.

But in his speech, Magoha said they have maintained the lead in Kenya and expressed optimism that the institution would be among the top ten African universities in the next one year.

The VC said UoN has produced 47 per cent of all graduates in Kenya, with most captains of Kenya’s most critical institutions being alumni’s of the university.

He said a number of leading firms across the globe are sending their top managers to the institution to benchmark on international best practices.

“You don’t see us on television all the time (to advertise), because we believe we are the best,” the VC who is a professor of Surgery and Consultant Urologist proudly noted.

His sentiments were echoed by University Chancellor Joseph Wanjui who maintained that the quality of learning is not measured by buildings but the primary education that is offered.

“I therefore believe that students before us are the best in the continent,” Dr Wanjui remarked.

Kaimenyi challenged institutions of higher learning to consult with industries in designing their curriculum to make their students more marketable.