The University of Nairobi has once again become a beacon of concern, as the institution has been reported to be in a leadership crisis due to the prolonged absence of a substantive Vice-Chancellor. This has led to a breakdown in key leadership decisions, affecting the day-to-day running of the institution, as it lacks an effective channel to oversee the flow of funds and the appointment of senior lecturers.

The Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU), University of Nairobi Chapter, has issued a strong warning over what it describes as a deepening leadership and financial crisis at the University of Nairobi (UoN), calling for immediate government intervention.

“The potential collapse of the University of Nairobi would represent a profound national loss,” the union stated, urging the government and stakeholders to act swiftly.

The University of Nairobi has lacked a substantive (permanent) Vice-Chancellor for approximately 19 months, since September 2024.

  • September 2024 – May 2025: Margaret Jesang Hutchinson served as the initial Acting Vice-Chancellor following the controversial exit of Stephen Kiama.
  • May 2025 – Present: Francis Jackim Mulaa was appointed as Acting Vice-Chancellor for a six-month term starting May 5, 2025, to allow for a transition that ultimately stalled.
  • The Failed Transition: In May 2025, the University Council attempted to appoint Bitange Ndemo as the substantive Vice-Chancellor. However, he withdrew his candidacy later that month, citing a flawed and unprocedural appointment process that lacked the required concurrence from the Ministry of Education.

As of April 2026, the university remains under interim leadership, with staff unions like UASU warning that the prolonged “governance limbo” is severely hindering the institution’s ability to address its mounting financial debts.

This issue may also affect other universities that are currently being run by acting Vice-Chancellors if it is not addressed immediately. These universities include:

  • Moi University
  • Kenyatta University
  • Technical University of Kenya
  • Egerton University
  • Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology
  • Maseno University
  • And many others.