University of Nairobi Council Concludes Strategic Performance Negotiations with Ministry of Education

The University of Nairobi (UoN) Council, led by Chairman Prof. Chacha Nyaigotti-Chacha, has officially concluded negotiations for the 2026/2027 Performance Contract with the Ministry of Education. The session marks a pivotal step in aligning the University’s strategic goals with national education priorities and global academic standards.

Driving Excellence in the Core Mandate

The newly negotiated contract outlines ambitious targets designed to enhance the University’s impact and operational efficiency. Key performance delivery areas identified for the current year include:

• Student Success: Improving completion rates from 64% to over 70%.

• Employability: Enhancing graduate skills through structured mentorship programs and robust industrial attachments.

• Curriculum Reform: Reviewing and aligning academic programs with Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET).

• Research & Innovation: Increasing research outputs in high-impact journals, boosting research-related revenue, and growing the postgraduate student body.

• Commercialization: Strengthening the innovation ecosystem to drive intellectual property registrations and knowledge transfer.

During the opening of the negotiations, Prof. Chacha Nyaigotti-Chacha emphasized that performance management is a cornerstone of public sector accountability, noting its presence in Kenya since the mid-1990s. He described the Performance Contract as a "bible" for all employees, a guiding document to ensure the institution remains focused on its primary objectives.

 "I challenge all staff to engage their best gears and ensure they deliver on what they have promised," stated Prof. Chacha. "We must move away from the culture of blame games and adopt a performance culture across all structures. Our focus must remain on delivery and impact, not infighting or witch hunts."

The Chairman further noted that achieving these targets requires a critical analysis of the current operating environment, urging collegiality, transparency and accountability at every level of management.

The high-level negotiations saw representation from both the University and the Government. Prof. Chacha was flanked by Eng. Samuel Njunguna, Independent Council Member, Prof. Ayub Gitau, Vice Chancellor and the entire University Management Team.

The Ministry of Education’s negotiation team was led by Ms. Joan Aluko from the State Department for Higher Education.

The PC agreement underscores the University of Nairobi’s commitment to remaining a world-class institution by fostering an environment of meritocracy, innovation, and academic rigor.