University of Nairobi Vice Chancellor Peter Mbithi has assured Kenyans that wrangles within the management of the country’s oldest institution of higher learning, have been resolved.
Prof Mbithi and Deputy Vice Chancellor, Administration and Finance, Bernard Njoroge have for months been locked in a power struggle that slowed the smooth running of the institution. Friday, Mbithi admitted wrangles with his suspended deputy had made transition a challenge since the exit of former Vice-Chancellor George Magoha. He said the university's image had suffered but dispelled fears that the situation had compromised the institution’s capabilities.
“Challenges have been many but like diamonds best made under pressure, the University of Nairobi will emerge stronger. Rest assured that this university is edging back her firm footing and is yet to compromise her mandate or gold standard,” he said during the 54th graduation ceremony, Friday.
He said the institution, being a state corporation, will continue to be guided by government rules in tendering and will always ensure prudent public financial management.
Varsity Chancellor Vijoo Rattansi, said that along the way, team work was sacrificed in the pursuit of power and influence. Like Mbithi, she said, the university management was back on course.
“We may have taken the long way home but we have finally navigated the stormy sea. The calmer shores are now upon us. In all we do, let us guard our steps; let us measure our words that we may never choke when forced to swallow them,” said Dr Rattansi.
The university management said it is committed to enhancing quality of research. Prof Mbithi said the university’s research fund is now at Sh4.5 billion. He said no institution of higher learning could claim excellence without a solid research portfolio.
He urged companies to give graduates a chance to polish and internalise skills gained at the university through employment or placements.
During the ceremony, some 8,861 graduands were conferred with various degrees and diplomas. There were 84 PhDs, 2,549 Masters, 5,502 Bachelors, 76 post-graduate diplomas and 647 ordinary diplomas. Among those on PhD list was Laikipia Senator GG Kariuki, 76.
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