UASU Demands Urgent Action as Leadership Crisis, Debt Burden Weigh Down UoN
By Peace Muthoka
NAIROBI, April 13, 2026 — The Universities’ Academic Staff Union (UASU) Nairobi Chapter has raised fresh alarm over the worsening crisis at the University of Nairobi, warning that the institution faces possible collapse without immediate intervention.
While reading a press statement on Monday, the branch Secretary General outlined a troubling picture of prolonged leadership gaps and mounting debt, which he said are steadily eroding the university’s stability.
To begin with, the union noted that the university has operated without a substantive Vice-Chancellor since September 2024. In addition, all Deputy Vice-Chancellor positions remain in acting capacity, a situation UASU says has weakened decision-making and left the institution without strong leadership at a critical time.
At the same time, concerns over the university’s financial health continue to deepen. Citing a February 2026 report by the Controller of Budget, the union revealed that the institution is burdened with over KSh 15.9 billion in debt the highest among public universities. However, UASU faulted the university leadership for remaining silent, noting that no clear recovery plan has been communicated.
Consequently, the effects of the crisis are already being felt. The union pointed to declining staff welfare, deteriorating student services and a steady drop in academic standards and morale.
Even as the situation worsens, UASU questioned the government’s response. It noted that while Moi University recently received a KSh 6 billion bailout, the University of Nairobi despite facing a heavier debt burden has not received similar support.
Furthermore, the union challenged key stakeholders to speak up, including the university council and alumni. It also raised concern over the silence of prominent alumni in government, among them President William Ruto and Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, urging them to step in and help rescue the institution.
Meanwhile, UASU expressed frustration over delays in appointing substantive leadership. The Public Service Commission has already conducted two rounds of interviews for the Vice-Chancellor and Deputy Vice-Chancellor positions, yet no appointments have been made a delay the union described as unacceptable.
As a result, the union is now calling for urgent measures to stabilise the university. These include the immediate appointment of a substantive Vice-Chancellor and deputies, swift intervention by the Ministry of Education under Julius Migos Ogamba, and the allocation of a financial rescue package in the upcoming national budget.
In addition, UASU is pushing for increased government funding to restore the university’s operations and safeguard its academic standing.
Ultimately, the union warned that failure to act could have serious national consequences, stressing that the collapse of the University of Nairobi would deal a major blow to Kenya’s socio-economic development.
As pressure continues to mount, UASU insists that only decisive leadership and immediate financial support can pull the institution back from the brink.
