Sifuna demands probe into stalled University of Nairobi Hospitality degree programme
By Emmanuel Rono, July 21, 2026Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has called on the Senate Standing Committee on Education to investigate the prolonged suspension of the Bachelor of Arts in Hospitality Management programme at the University of Nairobi, saying the delay has left students stranded for more than two years.
Rising on the floor of the Senate under Standing Order 53(1) on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, Sifuna sought a statement from the committee on what he described as a matter of nationwide concern.
“I rise pursuant to Standing Order 53(1) to seek a statement from the Standing Committee on Education on a matter of nationwide concern, namely the stalled Bachelor of Arts in Hospitality course at the University of Nairobi,” Sifuna said.
The senator noted that the programme was previously offered through a collaboration between the University of Nairobi and Kenya Utalii College but has remained suspended since 2024 after the partnership agreement expired.
“This course was previously offered by the university in collaboration with the Kenya Utalii College, but has remained in limbo since 2024 following the expiry of the collaboration agreement between the University of Nairobi and the Kenya Utalii College,” he said.
Students enrolled in the programme
Sifuna expressed concern over the plight of students enrolled in the programme, saying many have remained out of class without any communication from the institutions involved.
“Students enrolled in the program, who have remained at home for over two years, are yet to receive any explanation or a remedy to their predicament. Many have now exceeded their anticipated graduation dates by at least three years,” he told the Senate.
The lawmaker asked the Education Committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding the stalled programme and provide a roadmap for resolving the crisis.
Specifically, he wants the committee to explain the reasons behind the suspension of the Bachelor of Arts in Hospitality Management programme at the University of Nairobi’s Kenya Utalii College Unit and indicate when affected students can expect to resume their studies.
“The committee should address the reasons that led to the stalling of the Bachelor of Arts in Hospitality course at the University of Nairobi’s Kenya Utalii College Unit and timelines for when the affected students can expect to resume their studies or otherwise receive a definite resolution to the matter,” Sifuna said.
The programme was offered through a partnership between the University of Nairobi and Kenya Utalii College, one of Kenya’s premier hospitality training institutions. However, the collaboration came to an end in 2024, leaving students uncertain about the completion of their studies.