Cash-Strapped UoN Turns to Donors

The University of Nairobi (UoN) is set to launch a foundation as it looks to tap donor funds to advance its programmes. The move comes amid cash-flow challenges at the institution.

An official unveiling of the foundation has been scheduled for 30th June, 2022.

The UoN foundation is registered as a non-governmental organization (NGO). It will be managed by a board of trustees chaired by Dr. Vijoo Rattansi.

“The UoN Foundation thus is  non-political and shall have no affiliation to political groups. It aims to tap from the philanthropy potential of the higher learning sector and to institutionalize the sustainability of the UoN,” a statement on the university’s website reads in part.

Its trustees include several big names in governance, business and academia. UoN Vice-Chancellor Prof. Stephen Kiama will also sit on the board.

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“The trustees include Prof. Margaret Kobia, Prof. Julia Ojiambo, Dr.Agnes Odhiambo, Senior Counsel Fred Ngatia, Joe Mucheru, Dr. Narendra Raval, Mourice Makolo and Prof. Stephen Kiama (secretary),” the university confirmed.

Major universities around the world are known for tapping into philanthropy to raise cash. Locally, Strathmore and Mt. Kenya University are among institutions that have registered foundations.

The University of Nairobi is among Kenyan public institutions of higher learning facing cashflow challenges that have led to a pile-up of pending bills and stalled projects. It has struggled to pay payroll taxes, retirement benefits and insurance premiums for employees.

Like other public universities, it has been affected by the decline in the number of self-sponsored students in recent years as less KCSE candidates made the required C+ grade.

“Private capital is expected to accord the University of Nairobi the opportunity to prioritise research and innovations and to attract talent from across the globe through scholarships,” the university noted in a statement.

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