A fierce battle is brewing at the University of Nairobi as Chancellor Patrick Verkooijen pushes ahead with his ambitious two-year transformation agenda, despite resistance from academic staff.
The UoN Professors’ Association has dismissed the reforms as a cover for plans to sell the university’s Sh200 billion land assets. Chairperson Prof. Peter Wasamba claims the chancellor has sidelined faculty in decision-making and is assuming an executive role beyond his ceremonial mandate.
Verkooijen, however, insists his plan—endorsed by the university council and President William Ruto’s Cabinet—aims to revive UoN by clearing its Sh20 billion debt and addressing management failures. His strategy includes an asset optimization plan involving audits, leasing, and public-private partnerships.
While the chancellor assures transparency, skeptical dons argue that poor leadership, not academic staff, is the real issue. The university has faced governance challenges, mounting debts, and declining global rankings, fueling concerns over the proposed reforms.
