Magic behind the calm at University of Nairobi

By Samuel Otieno

Before George Magoha took over as Vice-Chancellor, University of Nairobi students were synonymous with one thing — riots.

He found many challenges, among them high student indiscipline. But today, the most common question Prof Magoha is asked wherever he goes is: "What happened to University of Nairobi students. They are so quiet?"

For three years — until March when students demonstrated over killings of human rights activists — there was no riotous incident at the university.

But Magoha points out the recent riot had nothing to do with the university.

Lifted the ban

He also lifted the ban on the Student Union of Nairobi University (Sonu).

"Our image as an institution of higher learning has changed a great deal in the last five years," says Magoha.

He says employers who used to regard students as troublemakers now see them in a new light.

So what is the secret of his success?

Magoha introduced a hands on approach to management, with dialogue being a critical part. He is firm but has an open door policy.

His approach makes students feel appreciated and involved in the management of the institution. They also became aware of their responsibilities.

"This is certainly working for us and we trust it will work for a long time to come. We just need to graduate a few more classes with no experience of riots and that negative memory will be truly a thing of the past," says Magoha.