Babu Owino Meets UoN Leadership Amid KSh20 Billion Debt Crisis
In a Facebook statement on Friday, October 23, 2026, Owino said he had returned to his former university to support its growth. He indicated that the discussions focused on ways to strengthen the institution and improve its future prospects.
“Back to the University of Nairobi to help facilitate its growth,” Owino stated. He added that he was meeting university management, deans and student representatives to explore ways of supporting the institution.
The legislator also shared a message about reconnecting with his former lecturers. “Nimepatana na walimu wangu,” he wrote, meaning he had met his former teachers.
UoN's Financial Crisis Under Parliamentary Scrutiny
The meeting took place a day after university officials appeared before the National Assembly Education Committee to discuss the institution’s financial position. Lawmakers examined findings from an Auditor-General’s report that classified the university as technically insolvent.
According to the report for the 2021/2022 financial year, the institution recorded a deficit of KSh2.2 billion. Its accumulated deficit subsequently stood at approximately KSh8.8 billion, highlighting the scale of its financial difficulties.
The audit also indicated that the university had current assets worth KSh5.17 billion. However, its financial obligations left it with negative working capital of approximately KSh8.62 billion.
The institution is also facing substantial unpaid statutory obligations, including tax and pension arrears reportedly amounting to KSh10.6 billion. These liabilities have raised concerns about its ability to meet financial commitments while sustaining academic programmes.
Vice-Chancellor Outlines Plans to Raise Revenue
During Thursday's parliamentary session, Vice-Chancellor Professor Ayub Gitau acknowledged the university's financial challenges. However, he maintained that the institution possessed an asset base valued at more than KSh220 billion.
Gitau said management was exploring several measures to increase revenue and improve the university’s financial position. The proposed strategies include leasing property, increasing student enrolment, securing research funding and reviving commercial units.
The university hopes these initiatives will generate additional income to support its operations and address outstanding liabilities. However, lawmakers questioned whether the proposed measures would raise enough money to resolve the institution’s financial difficulties.
Members of Parliament demanded clear implementation timelines, verifiable financial projections and measurable outcomes. Their concerns centred on whether the university could translate its proposed recovery measures into sustainable financial improvements.
Student Welfare and University Development
Owino's meeting with university leaders and student representatives comes amid concerns about the potential effects of financial difficulties on academic activities. The institution must balance its financial recovery efforts with teaching, research and other responsibilities.
The MP did not announce any financial contribution or disclose specific resolutions reached during the meeting. His public statement focused on discussions about supporting the university’s growth and development.
The involvement of student leaders also brought student interests into discussions about the institution's future. However, no specific student welfare measures were announced in the statement.
The university's recovery will depend partly on its ability to implement revenue-generating initiatives and manage existing liabilities. Clear financial reporting and measurable progress will remain important as management responds to concerns raised by lawmakers.
Owino's engagement adds another discussion to the ongoing debate about the future of the institution. Whether the meeting produces practical proposals or financial support remains unclear, as the university continues seeking ways to strengthen its financial position.
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