A fierce standoff is unfolding at the University of Nairobi (UoN) as academic staff reject an ambitious transformation agenda spearheaded by the institution’s new Chancellor, Patrick Verkooijen. The proposed reforms, aimed at revitalizing Kenya’s oldest university, have been met with resistance, with critics arguing that they are poorly conceived and could lead to the loss of university assets.
The University of Nairobi Professors’ Association has dismissed Verkooijen’s reform blueprint, raising concerns that it is primarily focused on selling off the institution’s vast land holdings, valued at over Sh200 billion. Professor Peter Wasamba, chair of the association, has accused the chancellor of sidelining faculty members and making unilateral decisions without proper consultations.
“We have not been briefed on the details of the proposed transformation,” Wasamba stated. “The chancellor seems to be overstepping his ceremonial role and assuming executive authority without fully understanding the complexities of the institution.”
Verkooijen, however, insists that his reforms are necessary to rescue the university from financial turmoil. He likens his role to that of a firefighter seeking to save UoN from a looming crisis. His two-year strategy, which has been endorsed by the university council and approved by President William Ruto’s Cabinet, focuses on addressing mounting debts, labor unrest, and declining global rankings.
A key component of the plan is the institution of an asset optimization masterplan, which includes an independent audit and valuation of the university’s land holdings. According to Verkooijen, some properties will be sold, leased, or developed through public-private partnerships to raise funds for clearing UoN’s Sh20 billion debt and settling numerous court cases.
“The university’s financial health is in jeopardy,” Verkooijen told the media. “We must leverage our assets transparently to ensure UoN regains its global standing and financial stability.”
However, faculty members remain unconvinced, fearing that the land dealings could open doors for corruption through special purpose vehicles that shield transactions from accountability.
Beyond financial woes, the chancellor’s strategy highlights broader challenges, including student and labor unrest, mismanagement, and academic quality concerns. He has criticized the institution’s failure to submit annual reports on time, the lack of proper governance structures, and the declining quality of examinations and grading.
For over a year, the University of Nairobi has been embroiled in controversy, from power struggles within its leadership to labor disputes and parliamentary scrutiny. As resistance to the reforms mounts, the battle over UoN’s future is far from over, setting the stage for a prolonged confrontation between the administration and academic staff.
