UASU Chair Sounds Alarm Land Controversies and Governance at UoN

The University of Nairobi Academic Staff Union (UASU) has raised serious concerns over governance issues and alleged irregularities in the management of university assets.

UASU Chair Richard Bosire accused the university administration of deliberately weakening governance structures to exploit the institution’s resources, particularly its land.

“Those given the mandate to manage the University of Nairobi have decided to weaken governance structures so that they can exploit the institution,” Bosire stated.

He warned that the university was at risk of collapse if the current situation persisted.

Bosire pointed to the controversial sale of land for the construction of Kwetu hostels in Gigiri, questioning how much revenue the university received.

“How much did the University of Nairobi gain from the sale of that land?” he asked, emphasizing the need for transparency.

He further alleged that 10 acres had been allocated for a private school under questionable circumstances. He also raised concerns about the possible loss of the university’s marine research land in Kwale and 12,000 acres of dryland research land in Kibwezi, calling for public disclosure of the financial gains from such transactions.

The UASU chair also decried irregularities in the awarding of honorary degrees at the institution, warning that the integrity of the process was being compromised.

He insisted that such degrees must be conferred within the law and only during official graduation ceremonies.

“We are saying this in no uncertain terms: if there is conferment of honorary degrees, it must be done during the graduation ceremony at the University of Nairobi’s main campus,” he said, adding that failure to follow due process could harm the university’s reputation.

Another major issue raised was the alleged interference in student admissions, particularly in the School of Medicine. Bosire claimed that unqualified students were being transferred into the faculty through corrupt dealings.

“We call upon the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to investigate and hold to account those engaged in this malpractice,” he urged.

He warned that allowing unqualified students into medical training posed a serious risk to public health and called on the government to intervene urgently.

Bosire further criticized the delay in implementing the agreed retirement age for teaching staff, which was part of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) signed in November 2024. While salary increments had been implemented, the retirement age clause setting the retirement age at 74 for teaching staff had been ignored.

“The University of Nairobi Council has refused to implement the retirement age because of their self-interest,” he alleged, adding that the delay was worsening the shortage of professors and lecturers.

Additionally, he accused the university of dragging its feet on implementing the 2017–2021 internal CBA, denying staff their rightful salaries. He warned that UASU would issue a strike notice if the concerns were not addressed.

“We don’t want to go on strike, but we will use this as a last resort,” he said.

The union is now calling on the university council to act swiftly to address these grievances, warning of possible industrial action if no immediate solutions are provided.

By Sharon Atieno