UoN Community grows 11,000 stronger
On Monday, August 24, 2026, will be an unforgettable day to over 11,000 first years who joined the University of Nairobi.
It has been a full week of orientation where the first years completed their registration, admission process and onboarding to the various Faculties and campuses. On Wednesday, 26th August, 2026 the Faculties held the Faculty Deans’ addresses. The First years’ were taken through a lot of what’s expected of them, and what Infrastructure and resources are available.
On Thursday, 27th August, 2026, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ayub Gitau welcomed the 2026/2027 cohort of first-year students, urging them to embrace university life fully, pursue excellence with integrity and make the most of the opportunities available to them at the University.
Speaking during the University’s Welcome and Orientation Ceremony held at Taifa Hall and virtually on Thursday, 27 August 2026, Prof. Gitau described the occasion as a special moment for the University fraternity as it welcomed a new generation into the UoN family.
The University has admitted more than 11,217 students through the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS), alongside more than 4,000 self-sponsored students for the 2026/2027 academic year. The new cohort brings together students from across Kenya and other countries, representing diverse socio-cultural backgrounds, interests and beliefs.
“Congratulations! You made it. You have earned you place here, and today, you become one of us,” the Vice Chancellor told the new students.
Reflecting on the significance of Taifa Hall, Prof. Gitau reminded the students that they were joining an institution with a rich history and legacy.
He noted that Taifa Hall has, over the years, hosted important conversations involving leaders, scholars and young people, and has been associated with moments of national and global significance.
Prof. Gitau challenged the students to appreciate the legacy of the University and recognize their place in its continuing story. Generations of University of Nairobi graduates have gone on to become leaders in diverse fields, including medicine, law, engineering, science, business, public service, education and entrepreneurship.
“Today, you are that generation,” Prof. Gitau said.
Prof. Gitau outlined the six priorities guiding his administration, emphasizing that they are ultimately centred on improving the student experience.
The priorities are:
- Student success, welfare and wellbeing
- Research, innovation, entrepreneurship and curriculum reforms
- Digital transformation
- Infrastructure development
- Staff empowerment
- Stronger partnerships with industry, alumni and global partners
He explained that these priorities are intended to create an environment where students can learn, innovate, connect and thrive.
The University is investing in modern infrastructure, including laboratories and other learning facilities, while strengthening digital access and partnerships that provide opportunities for research, industry exposure and international engagement.
Prof. Gitau encouraged the first-year students to understand that university education goes beyond lectures, examinations and academic grades.
He urged them to build competence, confidence and relationships, while remaining open to new ideas, experiences and perspectives.
“You will encounter ideas that challenge what you have always believed to be true,” he said, encouraging students to use their university experience to discover themselves, develop new talents and learn from both success and failure.
Prof. Gitau also encouraged students facing academic or personal challenges to seek help. He noted that lecturers, student leaders, mentors, counsellors, chaplains, career advisers and other members of the University community are available to support students.
He further called on the students to look out for one another and build a supportive community.
The Vice Chancellor challenged the new students to take responsibility for their choices and uphold the highest standards of integrity.
He emphasized that a University of Nairobi degree must be earned honestly, warning students against academic cheating.
“Your own work will always be worth more than a grade obtained through cheating,” he said, stressing that academic integrity is fundamental to maintaining the value and credibility of a University of Nairobi qualification.
Prof. Gitau also addressed the rapidly changing technological environment, noting that artificial intelligence is already transforming how people learn and work.
He urged students not merely to memorize information for examinations but to develop the ability to think critically, ask questions, distinguish evidence from opinion, communicate effectively and work with people who hold different views.
The Vice Chancellor encouraged students to use technology and AI wisely and ethically, emphasizing that AI should assist rather than replace human thinking.
“In a world full of technology, your most valuable advantage will remain deeply human: your judgement, your curiosity, your creativity, your ability to relate to people guided by your character,” he said.
Prof. Gitau encouraged students to take advantage of the University’s wide range of opportunities in innovation, sport, arts, research and enterprise.
He invited students with different talents to participate actively in University programmes and platforms, including the University of Nairobi Travelling Theatre, University Choir, sporting teams and writing platforms.
“If you have a talent, this is the place to pursue it. We have the teams, the facilities, the equipment and the opportunities. Make use of them,” he said.
The Vice Chancellor also announced that the portal for students wishing to apply for Inter/Intra Faculty transfers will open on 30 August 2026 and close on 13 September 2026, with applications processed for students who meet the relevant course cut-off points as guided by KUCCPS.
As the University continues to strengthen its digital presence, Prof. Gitau urged the new students to be responsible ambassadors of the University both online and offline.
He encouraged them to use the hashtag #WeAreUoN when celebrating their University journey on social media and reminded them that how they represent the University matters.
“Let every post reflect your pride in being part of UoN,” he said.
Concluding his address, the Vice Chancellor encouraged the 2026/2027 cohort to experience the University of Nairobi fully and to walk through its corridors with confidence and a sense of belonging.
“This is your academic home,” he told the students.
He reminded them that they have been given an opportunity to excel holistically and that what they make of that opportunity is ultimately up to them.
“Welcome to a community of ideas, ambition and endless possibilities. Welcome to the University of Nairobi. We are THE UoN!” Prof. Gitau said.
