Just over a year ago, Professor Paul Wainaina was placed on compulsory leave from his position as Vice Chancellor (VC) of Kenyatta University a move that many thought would mark the end of his long and distinguished academic career.
Instead of stepping away quietly, Prof Wainaina chose to seek legal redress. His determination paid off recently when a court ruled in his favour, allowing him to resume leadership at the institution, which serves over 50,000 students.
Now back in office, Prof Wainaina is focused on one of the university’s biggest priorities reclaiming the Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital (KUTRRH). The facility, constructed with support from the Chinese government at a cost of about Sh11 billion, was originally intended to serve as a teaching hospital for KU students in health related courses.
“This is my eighth year as Vice Chancellor, and I’m set to conclude my term in January 2026,” he shared in an interview. After his term, Prof Wainaina plans to continue serving as a professor until his retirement in June 2026.
The professor pointed out that his challenges began when the hospital was reclassified as a State Corporation in 2019. Despite parliamentary recommendations that the hospital be returned to the university, it has yet to be handed back.
“The hospital was built to benefit our students especially those pursuing medicine, nursing, pharmacy, and public health. Unfortunately, they are still unable to access it for their practical training,” he said.
During his leave, Prof Wainaina began working on his memoir, which he expects to publish in 2025. He has also been engaging with students and staff on key issues affecting the university, including funding and infrastructure challenges.
He credited the KU management team, especially Prof Waceke Wanjohi who served as acting VC, for maintaining the university’s operations during his absence.
Prof Wainaina also addressed concerns about the new university funding model introduced under the Presidential Working Party on Education Reforms. The model uses a means testing tool to categorize students for scholarships and loans, but he believes its implementation needs refining.
“We found that many students who are genuinely in need were misclassified. This has led to difficulties in paying fees, and could result in increased dropout rates,” he explained.
The funding model is based on a combination of government scholarships and loans issued by the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB). However, Prof Wainaina expressed concern that insufficient data and reduced government funding have made it difficult for universities to operate smoothly.
“The previous model was working fairly well until the government reduced its contribution from 80% to 40%. This shift has placed more pressure on both institutions and students,” he noted.
Reflecting on his career, Prof Wainaina spoke with pride about his journey in education. He began as a primary school teacher and eventually earned a PhD, later joining Moi University and serving in Namibia before returning to KU in 2005.
He rose through the ranks to become Deputy VC and eventually Vice Chancellor, a position he has held with dedication.
As he prepares for the final chapter of his tenure, Prof Wainaina remains committed to ensuring students receive quality education and adequate support, particularly in accessing critical facilities like the teaching hospital.
