University of Nairobi facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
University of Nairobi

Coat of Arms of the University
Former name	Royal Technical College of East Africa (1956–1961) Royal College of Nairobi (1961–1964) University College, Nairobi (1964–1970)
Motto	Latin: Unitate et labore
Motto in English	"In unity and work"
Type	Public
Established	1 July 1970; 55 years ago (1970-07-01), as University of Nairobi
Parent institution	Formerly the University of London and the University of East Africa
Chancellor	Prof. Patrick Verkooijen
Vice-Chancellor	Professor Stephen Kiama
Undergraduates	35,897
Postgraduates	11,003
Address	University Wy, Nairobi, Kenya , Nairobi , Kenya 1°16′47″S 36°49′00″E / 1.27972°S 36.81667°E / -1.27972; 36.81667
Campus	Urban
Colors	Sky blue
Affiliations	ACU

The University of Nairobi (often called UoN) is a big research university located in Nairobi, Kenya. It's the largest university in the country! Even though its story began in 1956, it became its own independent university in 1970.

Back then, the University of East Africa split into three separate universities. These were Makerere University in Uganda, the University of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania, and the University of Nairobi in Kenya.

In the 2023 school year, the university had over 49,000 students. About 35,000 of these were studying for their first degree (undergraduates), and over 11,000 were studying for advanced degrees (postgraduates). The university has also created special programs for students who pay their own tuition, helping more people get a university education.

How the University Started

The idea for the University of Nairobi began in 1956. It started as the Royal Technical College. This college welcomed its first students in April 1956, offering technical courses.

On June 25, 1961, the Royal Technical College changed its name to the Royal College of Nairobi. It became the second university college in East Africa. Professor James Morton Hyslop, a Scottish mathematician, helped make this happen.

The Royal College of Nairobi then worked with the University of London. Students could study subjects like Arts, Science, and Engineering and earn degrees from the University of London. Other areas, like Architecture and Business, offered diplomas from professional groups.

On May 20, 1964, the Royal College of Nairobi was renamed University College Nairobi. It became part of the Federal University of East Africa. From then on, students earned degrees from the University of East Africa instead of the University of London.

Finally, in 1970, it became the very first national university in Kenya. It was officially named the University of Nairobi. Today, it is known as one of the top universities in Kenya. It is also ranked highly in Africa and around the world.

A Look Back at History

Old offices at UoN

View from the main entrance

View from the main quadrangle

The idea for a place of higher learning in Kenya started way back in 1947. The government at the time wanted to build a technical and business institute in Nairobi. By 1949, this plan grew into a bigger idea for higher technical education.

In September 1951, the Royal Technical College, Nairobi, was officially created. The first stone for the college was laid in April 1952.

Around the same time, the Asian community in Kenya also planned to build a college. This college would focus on Arts, Science, and Business. It was meant to honor Mahatma Gandhi. To avoid building two similar colleges, the Gandhi Memorial Academy Society joined forces with the government.

So, the Gandhi Memorial Academy became part of the Royal Technical College, Nairobi, in April 1954. The college then opened its doors to its first students in April 1956.

After students arrived, people started looking closely at how higher education worked in Kenya. In 1958, a group led by Sir John Lockwood (from the University of London) suggested changes. On June 25, 1961, the Royal Technical College, Nairobi, became the "Royal College Nairobi." It was now the second university college in East Africa.

On May 20, 1964, the Royal College Nairobi changed its name again to "University College, Nairobi." At this point, it prepared students for bachelor's degrees from the University of London. It also continued to offer college diploma programs.

By 1966, the University College Nairobi started preparing students only for degrees from the University of East Africa. Then, on July 1, 1970, the University of East Africa was dissolved. This meant Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania each got their own national universities. This is how the University of Nairobi was officially born!

Since 1970, the university has grown a lot. It started with about 2,768 students and now serves over 68,000 students. In 2001, the first Confucius Institute in Africa opened here. This was a partnership between the University of Nairobi and Tianjin Normal University in China.

What the University Offers

The University of Nairobi is officially set up under Kenyan law. It offers many ways for students to learn.

Through special programs (called 'module II' and 'module III'), thousands of Kenyans and even students from other countries, especially Sudan, can get a university education. These programs are for students who meet the entry requirements but couldn't get into the regular programs because of limited space.

Besides regular day classes, the university also has evening and weekend programs. Classes are also held at the university's centers in different county headquarters across the country.

The university is also helping to start the Koitalel Arap Samoei University College. This new college will offer courses in law, business management, and education. Classes for this new college began in January 2015. It's a joint project between the County Government of Nandi and the University of Nairobi.

How the University is Organized

The university changed how it was organized in 1983. It created six colleges, each with its own leader. This made the administration more spread out.

Then, in 2021, the university changed again. The colleges were replaced with faculties, which are now led by Deans.

University Faculties

University Departments

University Rankings

In 2023, the Times Higher Education group ranked the University of Nairobi among the top universities worldwide.

Famous People Who Studied Here

Many notable people have studied at the University of Nairobi. Here are just a few:

• Kawango Agot, a researcher and expert on HIV.
• Avril, a popular singer and actress.
• Rigathi Gachagua, the current Deputy President of Kenya.
• Zipporah Gathuya, a doctor specializing in children's anesthesia.
• Githinji Gitahi, a doctor and CEO of Amref Health Africa.
• Wangari Maathai, who won the Nobel Peace Prize for her work on the environment.
• Martha Koome, the Chief Justice of Kenya.
• P. L. O. Lumumba, a well-known Professor of Law.
• Musalia Mudavadi, a former Vice President and Deputy Prime Minister of Kenya.
• Willy Mutunga, a former Chief Justice of Kenya.
• William Ruto, the Fifth President of The Republic of Kenya.
• Anne Waiguru, a former Cabinet Secretary and Governor of Kirinyaga County.

See also

• List of universities in Kenya
• Education in Kenya