Ruto's grand plan to address University of Nairobi woes

Former University of Nairobi Vice Chancellor Stephen Kiama. [File, Standard]

Light could be in sight for the troubled University of Nairobi after the government launched a plan to tackle the challenges facing the institution.

President William Ruto has launched a 24 month plan to restore excellence in the struggling university.

In a dispatch from the Cabinet, the revival plan, also referred to as the University of Nairobi Transformation Strategy, is designed to address the institution’s challenges and restore its academic and operational excellence.

The plan that has been approved by the University Council outlines eight strategic objectives with clear action plans and timelines, leveraging available resources and partnerships to restore the University of Nairobi to its leading position in higher education and research as part of the plan to revitalise the university

Established in 1970, the University of Nairobi is Kenya’s oldest institution of higher learning, with 10 faculties, 312 academic programmes, and an enrollment of 46,946 students.

Despite its rich legacy, the university has faced financial challenges, including unpaid statutory deductions of Sh4.1 billion, pension arrears of Sh7 billion, and pending bills amounting to Sh13.2 billion.

“These challenges have resulted in staff and student strikes, leadership conflicts, and a decline in academic and support services, consequently causing a drop in global rankings,” the cabinet despatch reads.

This comes as MPs initiated an investigation into the leadership challenges facing the university.

Committee Chairperson Julius Melly, expressed concern over the governance challenges at Kenya’s premier university.

Melly who is Tinderet MP highlighted irregular administrative actions, including the creation of unauthorized positions and the appointment of unqualified personnel.

The ouster of University of Nairobi Vice-Chancellor Stephen Kiama in September also highlights the deep rooted governance troubles in the institution.

Prof Kiama’s four and a half year tenure was defined by attempts to reform the university’s operations anchored on five key agendas that he rode on to turn around the institution.

His reforms included a plan to streamline the finance systems, develop a data management system, review curriculum, re-examine governance structure and tap into the university talent.

In the new arrangement, the transformation plan will be anchored on the ‘Big 5’ transformational initiatives focused on Green Jobs, Innovation, Artificial Intelligence, Leadership, and Health Research.

This strategy outlines eight strategic objectives with clear action plans and timelines, leveraging available resources and partnerships to restore the University of Nairobi to its leading position in higher education and research.