Acting Vice Chancellor of the University of Nairobi, Professor Margret Hutchinson, during an address to the university community on May 21, 2025. /SCREENGRABActing Vice Chancellor of the University of Nairobi, Professor Margret Hutchinson, has reassured the university community of progress despite the notion that the institution was going under.
In a heartfelt address to the university community, Prof Hutchinson reassured stakeholders that despite current challenges, the university remains on course to achieving its vision of becoming a globally competitive institution.
“I take this opportunity to update and reassure you that despite the ongoing challenges, we remain robust, focused, and resilient,” she said.
While emphasising resilience and focus, Prof Hutchinson appealed for calm, unity, and focus as the institution navigates a critical phase of transformation.
Addressing growing concerns over the University's future, Prof Hutchinson strongly refuted any claims suggesting that UoN was on a downward path.
“Let me reaffirm to all our stakeholders that the University of Nairobi is in business. We are unbowed. The University is fully on course on its trajectory to being a globally competitive University transforming society,” she emphasised.
The acting Vice Chancellor highlighted the importance of collective resolve and urged students, faculty, and staff to “disregard distractions or noise” that could hinder progress and focus instead on the shared vision for institutional excellence.
Her address centred on a five-point transformation agenda aimed at repositioning the university as a regional and global leader.
The first pillar is the introduction of cutting-edge academic programmes.
This includes the establishment of the Nairobi School of AI, which aims to make the university a leader in artificial intelligence education and research.
Secondly, Prof Hutchinson outlined plans to embed a vibrant research culture. A key component is the proposed regional Institute for Advanced Health Research, which is expected to bolster health science innovation and partnerships.
The third priority, she said, is fostering innovation through strategic collaborations with industry.
The initiative is designed to bridge academia and business, enabling the commercialisation of research and the growth of a practical, solution-driven academic environment.
Digitisation of university operations is the fourth pillar. The Vice Chancellor stated that digital transformation would boost efficiency, streamline processes, and improve service delivery across the institution.
Finally, Prof Hutchinson underscored the importance of stakeholder engagement, including in addressing issues related to funding, governance, and legal frameworks to secure the university’s long-term sustainability.
“These five pillars are not just theoretical aspirations; they are practical, actionable steps that we are actively pursuing,” Prof Hutchinson said.
The acting VC reiterated her commitment to leading the institution through the ambitious journey.
She called on all members of the UoN community to align their efforts with the transformation goals.
“Unity and shared purpose are essential if we are to realise the full potential of the University of Nairobi,” she said.
The university’s leadership has come under scrutiny in recent months over governance and financial issues.
It includes the hiring of Prof Bitange Ndemo as the Vice Chancellor, a process the former ICT Principal Secretary and Kenya’s Ambassador to Belgium said was flawed and withdrew his candidature.
Ndemo cited failure by the UoN Council chairperson Prof Amukowa Anangwe's failure to provide proof of Education CS's concurrence over his appointment.
"In light of these circumstances, I have formally withdrawn my candidacy for the position of Vice Chancellor at the University of Nairobi,” Ndemo said in a post on his LinkedIn account on May 9.
On May 13, Prof Anangwe said he sought the CS's concurrence as required, but the CS was yet to respond.
Given the foregoing, he said the narrative that he did not pursue consultations with the CS over Ndemo's appointment "is patently false."
"But as the chairperson of the Council, Prof Ndemo is the duly appointed Vice Chancellor of the University of Nairobi, unless he writes to me formally about his rejection, which he has yet to do," Anangwe added, further pointing out that the council is the appointing authority of the VC and his deputy and the CS's opinion is only sought as for consultative purposes.
"The courts have pronounced themselves on what the notion of “consultation” means; it is not synonymous with concurrence," he said, citing a 2022 judgment.
The Public Service Commission (PSC), which conducted the interviews, concurred with this stance, with vice chairperson Mary Kimonye, saying, “We urge all stakeholders to cooperate fully and uphold the integrity of the process."
Further, the reappointment of a senior officer at the university despite a court nullifying the appointment has attracted public attention.
Despite the developments, Prof Hutchinson maintained that the UoN remains strong and focused on delivering its mandate.
She issued a call to action: “This is a time to come together, to remain steady, and to work collectively towards a future that reflects the greatness and potential of the University of Nairobi.”
