The Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU), Universities Academic Staff Union UoN Chapter, has called for the urgent appointment of a substantive Permanent Vice-Chancellor at the University of Nairobi, warning that the prolonged leadership vacuum is undermining stability and threatening the institution’s future.
In a firm statement, the union expressed concern over delays in filling the top leadership position, noting that the absence of a permanent Vice-Chancellor has weakened governance structures, stalled critical decision-making, and eroded confidence among stakeholders.
UASU emphasized that the immediate installation of a permanent Vice-Chancellor, alongside fully constituted Deputy Vice-Chancellors, is essential to restoring order, strategic direction, and institutional credibility. The union cautioned that continued reliance on acting leadership risks deepening the crisis and accelerating decline.
The union further urged the University Council to act decisively and discharge its mandate with urgency, stressing the need for visible commitment in resolving the leadership impasse.
At the same time, UASU called on the Ministry of Education, led by Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba, to fast-track the appointment process. The Ministry, the union noted, has a statutory obligation to ensure the process is concluded without further delay.
Beyond leadership concerns, the union reiterated the need for a comprehensive financial rescue package, enhanced government funding, and sustained support to stabilize the university’s operations and prevent institutional collapse.
UASU also appealed to President William Samoei Ruto, an alumnus of the university, to intervene and safeguard the future of the historic institution. Similarly, John Mbadi was urged to prioritize efforts aimed at restoring the university’s financial health.
The union warned that the potential collapse of the University of Nairobi would constitute a profound national loss, given its pivotal role in shaping Kenya’s intellectual capital and driving socio-economic development.
Reaffirming its position, UASU maintained that the university must be urgently rescued and restored to its rightful place as a leading centre of academic excellence, noting that decisive action taken now will determine its future for generations to come.
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