The University of Nairobi (UoN), long celebrated as Kenya’s premier institution of higher learning, is facing mounting challenges that threaten its reputation and stability.

In a candid address, top university officials acknowledged declining student enrollment, research output, financial instability, and internal governance struggles as key issues that require urgent intervention.

Speaking during the recognition and award ceremony for outstanding staff, the university’s Chancellor Prof Patrick Verkooijen painted a grim picture of the institution’s financial health, likening the crisis to a house on fire.