UASU Raises Alarm Over Leadership Vacuum, Mounting Debt at University of Nairobi

By Gedion Nzyoki-

• UASU has raised concern over prolonged acting leadership at the University of Nairobi
• The union cites rising financial strain, including a reported huge debt, saying the institution faces serious operational and service delivery challenges.
• It is calling for urgent government and council intervention, including permanent appointments and financial support, warning that failure to act could further destabilize the university.

NAIROBI, April 13, 2026 — The Universities’ Academic Staff Union (UASU), University of Nairobi Chapter, has raised concern over a prolonged leadership vacuum and a worsening financial crisis at the University of Nairobi, warning that the institution’s stability and reputation are at risk.

UASU–University of Nairobi Chapter Secretary George Osanjo (centre), accompanied by Chairman Dr. Ben Nyamchoga (left) and Treasurer Wainaina Githii (right), during a press briefing at the University of Nairobi grounds on April 13, 2026. (Photo: Courtesy)

Addressing the press on Monday at the university grounds, UASU Chapter Secretary George Osanjo, alongside Chairman Dr. Ben Nyamchoga and Treasurer Wainaina Githii, said the university has been operating without a substantive Vice-Chancellor since September 2024. 

They noted that all top leadership positions, including Deputy Vice-Chancellors, are currently held in acting capacities.

"The university's academic staff union, University of Nairobi chapter, expresses grave concern over the prolonged leadership vacuum and the deteriorating state of the University of Nairobi, the oldest and most prestigious institution of higher learning in the republic," Osanjo said.

The union argued that the absence of permanent leadership has weakened governance, disrupted strategic direction, and contributed to the institution’s ongoing challenges. 

According to UASU, prolonged acting appointments have created uncertainty and hindered effective decision-making.

"Since September 2024, the University of Nairobi has been led by a vice chancellor in acting capacity. All the deputy vice chancellor positions have similarly been occupied in acting capacities for extended periods. This persistent absence of substantive leadership has undermined the stability of the University of Nairobi,"he added.

The concerns come amid growing financial strain. UASU cited a February 2026 report by the Controller of Budget indicating that the university’s debt has surpassed KSh 15.9 billion — the highest among public universities in Kenya. 

The union warned that the situation threatens the university with potential financial collapse, already impacting staff welfare, student services, and overall institutional standards.

UASU–University of Nairobi Chapter officials during a press briefing at the University of Nairobi grounds on April 13, 2026. (Photo: Courtesy)

UASU also questioned the lack of urgent government intervention, especially in light of the recent KSh 6 billion bailout extended to Moi University. 

The union challenged authorities to explain why the University of Nairobi, facing deeper financial difficulties, has not received similar support.

"We noted last week the intervention by the government to support Moi University financially through a Kenya shilling 6 billion rescue package. While rescuing Moi University, our younger sister, is commendable, it raises a question: why has the University of Nairobi, which faces far greater challenges and higher financial debts, not received similar urgent attention?" Osanjo questioned.

The union is now calling for immediate action, including the appointment of a substantive Vice-Chancellor and deputies, as well as decisive intervention by the University Council and the Ministry of Education to fast-track the recruitment process.

 It further urged increased government funding and a financial rescue package to stabilize operations.

Additionally, UASU appealed to William Ruto and John Mbadi—both alumni of the institution—to intervene and support recovery efforts, warning that the collapse of the country’s premier university would be a significant national loss.

Separately, Dr. Nyamchoga expressed deep frustration over the state of affairs, blaming the ongoing crisis on prolonged acting appointments. He argued that individuals serving in temporary roles often lack the authority to make critical decisions, further compounding inefficiencies within the institution.

He also pointed to deteriorating infrastructure, citing challenges such as unreliable water supply and poorly furnished offices as indicators of the university’s decline. 

According to him, there is a growing perception that governance structures have weakened, leaving the institution without clear direction.

Dr. Nyamchoga called on the University Council to assert its authority and ensure substantive appointments are made, warning that the university cannot continue operating under the current conditions indefinitely.

"The University Council must assert its authority and ensure substantive appointments are made. As it stands, there is a perception that governance structures are absent, with no clear leadership from the Vice-Chancellor, Deputy Vice-Chancellors, or management,"Dr. Ben said.

While stopping short of announcing industrial action, UASU warned that it may consider withdrawing labour if urgent measures are not taken.

The unfolding crisis places the University of Nairobi at a critical crossroads, with mounting pressure on stakeholders to act swiftly to restore stability and safeguard the future of Kenya’s oldest institution of higher learning.