University of Nairobi Vice Chancellor, Prof. Peter Mbithi has allayed fears that some staff members will be retrenched as published in sections on the media as talks on University mergers rages on. He was speaking during the Finance Department capacity building held on June 21, 2019 at the Central Catering Unit.

There have been talks of mergers and I know you could be worried and actually concerned, observed Prof. Mbithi. “Don’t be worried, as long as you work hard, generate more revenue and we are able to meet our financial obligations, nobody will go home, nobody will be sacked. What the government is telling us is that we should be able to exploit all revenue streams now that capitation levels have reduced significantly. We can work harder, generate revenue and overcome the challenges, “he said.

“Retrenchment is an issue of concern and should be treated as a challenge. The challenges help us to navigate change. Remember, change is the only constant,” he said. Staff members were reminded of some other challenges the University has been able to overcome in the past and hence the forthcoming university mergers should be the least of their worries.

University staff members were urged to embrace teamwork, work hard to deliver on the University of Nairobi strategic objectives which are; teaching and learning, research, student affairs, resources mobilization, governance and leadership. The current financial challenges are no different from the financial challenges that the University of Nairobi had in the year 2005 and were successfully addressed.

Finance Officer, Peter Busienei, outlined the various achievements the Finance Department has achieved in the last few years key among them being; implementation of the paperless payroll system, documents tracking system , mpesa transactions payments, biometric clocking in for staff, Royal Satima improvements and university departments procuring from Business Center.

Prof. Julius Ogen’go, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic Affairs, gave a motivational talk on the importance of having clear goals, time management, having realistic targets and celebrating achievements in life. The importance of having a work life balance was stressed.  

The event was also graced by Chief Internal Auditor, Patrick Agutu, who urged the Accountants to ensure that resources are well utilized.