UoN and Alumni Join Forces to Improve Student Life
The University of Nairobi (UoN), Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS) administration and the University of Nairobi Alumni Association have pledged to strengthen collaboration in improving student welfare, accommodation and learning infrastructure following a high-level breakfast meeting held at the University on Friday 4th September, 2026.
Hosted by Vice Chancellor Prof. Eng. Ayub Gitau, the meeting brought together distinguished alumni of the Faculty of Health Sciences, including Dr. Ouma Oluga, OGW, Principal Secretary, State Department for Medical Services, alongside faculty and university management. The forum focused on identifying practical areas of collaboration to enhance the learning environment and support the wellbeing of students.
The roundtable discussions highlighted the urgent need for a coordinated, multi-pronged approach to address challenges facing the Faculty, particularly inadequate accommodation, aging infrastructure and the growing demand for modern training facilities.
In his remarks, Prof. Gitau called on alumni to partner with the University in easing the growing pressure on student housing, noting the widening gap between enrolment and available hostel space.
“Our student population is slightly over 55,000, yet our hostels can accommodate a maximum of 10,000 students. Let us come and assist where we can,” said the Vice Chancellor.
The Faculty also proposed an Adopt-a-Hostel initiative that would enable alumni, corporate partners and well-wishers to sponsor the renovation of existing hostels or support the construction of new facilities.
FHS Dean Prof. Daniel Ojuka suggested that alumni first visit the Faculty’s hostels, lecture theatres and laboratories to assess their condition before identifying projects to support.
“We should hold a session with the alumni to visit the Faculty’s hostels and classrooms and see their state. From there, we can explore models such as adopting a room, a hostel, a lecture theatre or even a laboratory,” he said.
Beyond accommodation, the meeting emphasized the importance of strengthening simulation-based education to better prepare future healthcare professionals with practical clinical skills.
Drawing from his experience as a former UoN student, Dr. Oluga challenged alumni to inspire the next generation while investing in training environments that produce competent graduates.
“There is a generation coming behind us that does not need to inherit our despair or confusion; they need to be inspired and encouraged. Inspiration is a strong foundation for innovation,” he said.
He further underscored the need to invest in modern simulation laboratories, noting that while universities successfully impart knowledge, greater emphasis must be placed on developing hands-on clinical competence.
The discussions also explored the establishment of an Alumni Scholarship Trust to support financially vulnerable students at risk of discontinuing their studies.
The Alumni Association reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the University’s initiatives, with Executive Director Mr. Morgan Kiptum proposing chapter-specific accounts to streamline fundraising and accountability.
Alumni Board member Dr. Fronicah Monari revealed that KSh 28 million has already been directed towards supporting needy students. She also announced plans to launch United Kingdom and Ireland alumni chapters in October as part of efforts to expand the University’s global support network.
The meeting further encouraged public-private partnerships and in-kind contributions from alumni and industry partners to accelerate the development of hostels, lecture theatres, laboratories and other essential learning facilities.
The breakfast meeting marked the beginning of a structured partnership between the University, the Faculty of Health Sciences and its alumni, with a shared commitment to creating a more supportive, dignified and future-ready learning environment for UoN students.
