The University of Nairobi (UoN) officially launched the University of Nairobi Foundation on Thursday, 30th June 2022 at the symbolic Great Court, Main Campus. The establishment of the UoN Foundation is part of the reform agenda the University is implementing aimed at transforming the University into a Vibrant, relevant and sustainable University. Speakers at the event included; the Foundation’s Chairperson who is also the UoN Chancellor, Dr. Vijoo Rattansi, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Stephen Kiama, Chief Operations Officer, Mr. Brian Ouma, Cabinet Secretary, CS Prof. Margaret Kobia, Director, Africa Media Hub, Dr. Rosemary Okello among others. Click here to watch the Launch

The guest speaker at the Event; Dr. Rosemary spoke at length about the impact the Foundation will have in the short term, mid and long term saying “The foundation will have impact regionally, nationally, at the county level as well as internationally. Through the foundation we will generate philanthropy support for students and faculty research academic professional programmes, engage alumni and build partnerships with business to drive workforce as well as support innovation discovery and ideas that will bring transformative changes in the community.”

Prof. Margaret Kobia endorsed the Foundation saying “the Trustees are committed to do whatever it takes for the University of Nairobi to remain the University of today and a university of the future. The University has come of age, Our humble appeal to you all is to make the University of Nairobi great, we all want the university to prosper and create impact.”

The Vice Chancellor; Prof Stephen Kiama spoke about the critical role the University continues to play in Kenya and the world stating “The University has a huge responsibility in this country. We must continue to serve as the heart beat and brain of this country. Its is for this reason that we decided that we must have a foundation, a special purpose vehicle to catalyze the University of Nairobi’s next 50 years to 100 years.

The Chief Operations Officer, Mr. Brian Ouma gave a detailed background of the necessary steps the University has taken to establish the Foundation. The process began with the establishment of the Directorate of Advancement and institutional development to engage government, alumni and multi-lateral partners towards harnessing of greater resources for the University. The University invested in the training of 6 personnel in matters peculiar to the foundation at the King Baudouin Foundation- USA. “I assure you, the University has undertaken the necessary preparations for engagement with the foundation that we launch today. We aspire for the foundation to be funded in part by an endowment fund as a perpetual source of support for the University” he concluded.

Chancellor Dr. Vijoo Rattansi made a passinate appeal to everyone to support the University of Nairobi Foundation, There is no greater joy than the joy of giving; as you give without remembering so shall you receive without forgetting- Dr. Vijoo Rattansi

About the University of Nairobi Foundation:

Goal:

To support the University in fulfilling its mission of teaching and learning, research and community service through mobilization of funds using established legal and professional fundraising tools.

The UoN Foundation is anchored on three main strategies:

(1) Effective Management of Alumni Relations,

(2) Endowment management,

(3) Asset commercialization (i.e. intellectual and physical property).

The Board of Trustees

 Dr. Vijoo Rattansi (Chairperson), Prof. Stephen Kiama (Secretary), Dr.Narendra Raval Guru (Member) , Prof. Margret Kobia (Member) , Joesph Wakaba Mucheru, (Member) , Agnes Odhiambo( Member) , Mourice Makoloo (member) and Senior Counsel Fred Ngatia( Member)