The Universities’ Academic Staff Union (UASU), the University of Nairobi Chapter, has threatened to take strong action, including a strike, over a long-running leadership crisis at the institution.

The union is demanding the immediate appointment of a Vice-Chancellor and his deputy, warning that further delays could increase uncertainty and undermine the institution’s sound leadership.

Speaking during a press conference on Monday April 13, UASU, led by UASU, UON Chapter Secretary Prof. George Osanjo, warned that failure to appoint substantive leadership could destabilize the institution.

Prof Osanjo noted that since September 2024, the university has been operating under an acting Vice-Chancellor, with all Deputy Vice-Chancellor roles similarly occupied on an acting basis.

“The Universities’ Academic Staff Union (UASU), the 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.

“Since September 2024, the University has been led by a Vice-Chancellor in an acting capacity. All 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 lamented.

He further expressed concern over the latest Controller of Budget report, which indicates that the University of Nairobi has accumulated a debt of more than KSh 15.9 billion, the highest among public universities in Kenya.

Osanjo highlighted that the poor financial state of the University of Nairobi endangers its stability, criticizing the leadership’s silence as evidence of a leadership vacuum.

“The consequences of this leadership vacuum and the financial crisis facing the university are evident across the University: declining staff welfare, deteriorating student services, and a damaged financial and academic reputation. The University community is witnessing a steady erosion of standards, morale and reputation,” he said.

He further called out President William Ruto, Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, and Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba, all of whom are alumni of the University of Nairobi, accusing them of remaining silent as the institution continues to struggle.

“We further call upon His Excellency Dr. William Samoei Ruto, an alumnus of the UoN, to intervene and safeguard the future of this historic institution. We also urge Hon. John Mbadi, likewise an alumnus of UoN, to prioritize the financial recovery of the University.”