13,000 Freshers join the UoN Community
Monday, August 18, 2025, was a historical moment for first years and their parents and guardians as they joined the institution of their choice- the University of Nairobi. Despite the cold and wet weather, over 13,000 managed to get admitted over the registration and joining period. Out of the 13,000; 9,685 are Module I while 4,000 Module II students.
After the successful onboarding of first years, all the Faculties held their orientation meetings where the Deans of Faculties and Chairs of Departments addressed the first years, updated them on the available resources within the Faculties.
The climax of the week was the Vice Chancellor’s address that was held on Thursday, August 21, 2025 at 2:30 pm at the University's Taifa Hall.
The Vice Chancellor’s address to the first years is culturally an annual event where the Vice Chancellor meets the first years and addresses them on campus life.
Speaking at this year’s event, Prof. Jesang Hutchinson congratulated the first years for joining the university.
She exclaimed, ‘On behalf of the University Senate, faculty, staff, and the entire student body, I congratulate for choosing and successfully being admitted to this prestigious institution.
The address by the Vice Chancellor to new students joining the University sometimes referred to as freshmen is one of the oldest traditions practiced by many universities globally. But let us be clear: this is not just mere tradition but an opportunity for new students to be introduced formally to university life.’
Prof. Hutchinson urged the first years to be careful of distractions that may interfere with their academic journeys at the University, ‘But let us not be naïve that life in the University will always be smooth, just like every journey in life, there will be ups and downs, challenges and opportunities, moments of strengths and weaknesses and we can summarize it as dynamic, demanding and sometimes very complex.
While the University has a vision to be globally competitive transforming society, the students sometimes find it hard to achieve this due to difficulties in navigating the tough terrain of university life.
There is an African saying that warns us: “Do not let the little foxes spoil the vineyard.”
In the same way, your future will rarely be ruined by one big failure. It is often the “little foxes”, the small compromises, that eat away our destiny’
‘For more than half a century, the UoN has shaped the economic, social and political spheres of our country, the African continent and the global community by producing over 290,000 highly skilled graduates. You are joining a community that has produced Nobel laureates, presidents, judges, scientists, entrepreneurs, artists, activists, and countless silent professionals who serve society every day.’
She challenged, ‘Four/five or six years from now, what will be your story?
Will you leave here transformed, ready to live your calling?
Will you leave university ready to transform the society with excellence, what will be your story? The answer will not be written by chance. It will be written by your deliberate choices, the friends your keep, the habits you acquire, the voices you follow, and the values you refuse to compromise. ‘
The Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic Affairs, Prof. Ayub Gitau delivered opening remarks during the orientation meeting while the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Human resource and Administration, Prof. John Mande, moved a vote of thanks.
Present during the meeting was the UNSA student leaders and the Deans of Faculties and the University Community.
Watch the Vice Chancellor’s address
