Cabinet Approves Strategy For Transforming The University Of Nairobi

The University of Nairobi has unveiled a comprehensive transformation strategy aimed at addressing its operational and academic challenges and restoring its status as a leading institution of higher learning.

Founded in 1970, the University of Nairobi is Kenya’s oldest university, offering 312 academic programs across 10 faculties, with an enrollment of 46,946 students.

However, despite its prestigious history, the university has faced significant financial difficulties, including unpaid statutory deductions totaling Sh4.1 billion, pension arrears of Sh7 billion, and outstanding bills amounting to Sh13.2 billion.

These issues have led to staff and student strikes, leadership disputes, and a decline in academic and support services, which has also affected the university’s global rankings.

To address these challenges, the university has launched the “Big 5” transformational initiatives, which focus on Green Jobs, Innovation, Artificial Intelligence, Leadership, and Health Research.

These initiatives are designed to bolster the university’s resilience and prepare it for future workforce demands.

Following a directive from President Ruto, the Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the university’s leadership, has developed an ambitious 24-month Transformation Strategy.

The strategy has been approved by the University Council and includes eight strategic objectives with detailed action plans and timelines.

This plan aims to leverage available resources and partnerships to restore the University of Nairobi to its position as a leader in higher education and research.

The launch of this strategy is a critical step towards revitalizing the university and ensuring it continues to produce top-tier graduates and groundbreaking research.

The University of Nairobi, which is also the largest university in Kenya, traces its origins back to 1956 with the establishment of the Royal Technical College, which admitted its first group of A-level graduates for technical courses.

In 1961, the college became the second university college in East Africa, and it officially gained independent university status in 1970.

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