Student leaders at the University of Nairobi have called for stable, substantive leadership and immediate action on long-standing welfare challenges.

At a press briefing, student body president Derrick Troy Rusana (pictured) congratulated Prof Bitange Ndemo on his appointment as vice-chancellor, and Prof Francis Jackim Mulaa as deputy vice-chancellor for academic affairs.

Mulaa will serve as acting VC during Ndemo’s diplomatic assignment in Belgium.

“We welcome your leadership and we are here to tell you that … you have our full blessings,” said Rusana.

“But we are also here to say this institution has faced persistent leadership problems. We are tired of acting positions. Let there be substantive appointments across all senior positions to allow proper service delivery to students.”

Rusana explained that temporary leadership had led to budgetary constraints, accommodation shortages, and administrative inefficiencies.

“Students need structured leadership to experience the full benefits of the university,” he emphasised.

Secretary-general Wasike Elisha reinforced these concerns, warning the Ministry of Education against delays in officially gazetting the appointments.

“We are tired of acting positions; this is not a drama,” he declared, highlighting security lapses, accommodation issues, and bureaucratic delays affecting academics.

Ian Brandon, governor of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at the student body, pointed to persistent problems including missing marks, fee balance restrictions, and missed internship opportunities.

“That is not our fault, and it is not our parents’ fault. We believe in your ability to fix these,” he told the incoming administration.

Security concerns

Patrick Monk Owino, chair of the council of governors at the student body and governor of the Faculty of Science and Technology, stressed urgent accommodation and security concerns: “Many students lack accommodation, and security is deteriorating. We ask for fair rates and a firm focus on safety.”

From the Faculty of Health Sciences, governor Emmanuel Oribo described difficulties across multiple campuses, citing delayed assessments, curriculum overloads, and mental health concerns.

“If our students are not assessed, how will they proceed? We want swift resolutions and collaboration from the new administration,” he appealed.

Michael Ngetich Tsoi, head of public service at the students association, emphasised the need for proper legal frameworks in appointments and warned against external interference.

“There have been attempts by senior government officials to meddle in this process,” he said.

“We thank the university council, especially chair Prof Amukowa Anangwe, for standing firm.”

Tsoi questioned certain deputy vice-chancellor appointments in allegedly non-existent roles.