Prof Ayub Gitau takes over as UoN VC ending two years of leadership vacuum

Ayub Giatu UoN VC

The new Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nairobi, Prof. Ayub Gitau, has unveiled an ambitious plan to rebuild Kenya’s premier university, placing staff unity and financial recovery at the centre of his first days in office after years of leadership wrangles, governance disputes and financial distress.

Speaking during his inauguration as the university’s ninth substantive vice-chancellor, Prof. Gitau said restoring confidence among staff and putting the university on a sustainable financial footing would lay the foundation for wider reforms aimed at improving student services, strengthening research and restoring the institution’s standing.

Prof Gitau now officially takes over as the 9th VC after two years of leadership vacuum since the removal of Prof. Stephen Kiama, leaving Prof. Margaret Hutchinson Jesang to hold office in an acting capacity

University of Nairobi Council Chairman Prof. Chacha Nyaigotti-Chacha called for an end to the leadership wrangles that have rocked the institution, saying the priority now is to give the new Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ayub Gitau, the space to steer the university back to stability.

Chacha took a swipe at those opposed to university stability to stop interfering with the affairs of the institution, insisting that the country's oldest university deserves peace after years of turbulence.

"We want this university to have peace. We want this university to have tranquility. We want this university to stay afloat and continue producing scholars, researchers and educators who will mentor the current and future generations," he said.

In his first 100 days in office, the Professor of Engineering has promised to tackle long-standing staff issues, saying rebuilding the university must begin by restoring unity and morale among employees after years of uncertainty.

“First of all, we have been on very shaky ground at the University of Nairobi for some time now. The most important thing now is, first of all, to bring the staff together. As we bring the staff together, we will look at the roadmap on how we are going to address many of the issues, starting with matters affecting students and staff.” Prof Gitau said.

He said his administration will implement the recently signed Collective Bargaining Agreement with the Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU), Kenya University Staff Union (KUSU) and KUDHEIHA to improve the working environment, staff welfare, career progression and training.

The vice-chancellor also pledged to ensure all money owed to staff is processed and paid transparently and in line with the agreed provisions.

“I am committed to ensuring that all monies due to staff are processed and disbursed transparently, fairly and in accordance with the agreed provisions,” he said.

He added that the university would invest in leadership development and governance training while promoting a culture of accountability, integrity and ethical leadership.

“Staff motivation and empowerment remain critical pillars in sustaining productivity and service delivery. No institution can rise above the commitment of its people,” he said.

Similarly, Prof. Gitau has placed financial recovery at the top of his agenda as the university grapples with declining government funding and rising operational costs.

Rather than relying solely on government funding allocations, he said the university will diversify its revenue streams by attracting more research grants, commercialising university assets and strengthening partnerships with alumni, industry and development partners.

“Government capitation has been going down. We are strengthening our research base because grant attraction is one of our major revenue sources. We also have to diversify through our alumni, our partners and collaborators in different projects.”

He said the university also intends to unlock more value from its assets by making them commercially viable.

“We can also commercialise our assets by making them more commercial so that they attract revenue,” he said.

He further pledged to improve the student experience at the institution, with the University chairman, Chacha Nyaigoti Chacha, pledging to tighten academic management systems to eliminate persistent complaints about missing examination marks and delays in processing academic records.

“We want to ensure we do not have many issues of missing marks and the rest. We are going to tighten that area as well,” Prof Nyaigoti said.

The council chairman said the council would evaluate Prof. Gitau based on agreed performance targets and urged him to lead decisively.

"We shall work with you and support you, but we expect you to be forthright and vigilant. Lead without fear or favour. You are here to build your own legacy as the vice-chancellor of this great university." he said.

The council chairman also challenged the new administration to restore academic efficiency by eliminating perennial complaints over missing marks and delayed graduations.

He said students should complete their programmes within the stipulated timelines, arguing that timely graduation is a key measure of institutional performance.

 "There will be no season of missing marks," he declared. "If a master's degree takes 18 months, it should be completed within 18 months. If a PhD takes four or five years, then it should finish within that period."

Education Principal Secretary Beatrice Inyangala said despite recent governance and financial challenges, the University of Nairobi remains the country’s most sought-after university.

“The University of Nairobi has built a brand and a profile that is recognisable internationally,” Dr Inyangala said.

“Many international partners are attracted to this university and because of this the demand for its programmes is very high.”

She said the university continues to receive more qualified applicants than it can admit, especially for competitive courses such as medicine.

“As we speak now, I have many pending requests communicated to KUCCPS from students who wish to join the University of Nairobi for premium courses, especially medicine, but the capacities are already taken up,” she said.

Research and innovation will also form part of the recovery strategy, with the university seeking to translate research into commercial products and practical solutions that create jobs and support national development.

Prof. Gitau said the institution will strengthen engagement with its more than 300,000 alumni through the University of Nairobi Alumni Association and the University of Nairobi Foundation to attract investment and expand partnerships.

He also pledged to strengthen governance by ensuring the university operates in accordance with the Universities Act, the university charter and its statutes while promoting transparency and accountability.