The Cabinet has approved the University of Nairobi Transformation Strategy, designed to address the institution’s challenges and restore its academic and operational excellence.
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 KSh4.1 billion, pension arrears of KSh7 billion, and pending bills amounting to KSh13.2 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.
To tackle these issues, the university has launched the ‘Big 5’ transformational initiatives focused on Green Jobs, Innovation, Artificial Intelligence, Leadership, and Health Research.
These initiatives aim to enhance the university’s resilience and align it with future workforce demands.
Following a directive from President Ruto, the Ministry of Education and the university leadership have developed an ambitious 24-month Transformation Strategy, which has been approved by the University Council.
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.
This marks a critical step in revitalising the university and ensuring it continues to produce top-tier graduates and groundbreaking research.
