Former University of Nairobi (UoN) Chancellor Dr Vijoo Rattansi is dead.
Dr Vijoo Rattansi served as the Chancellor of the University of Nairobi (UoN) from 2013 to 2023, making history as the institution’s first female chancellor.
In a statement on Thursday, former UoN Vice Chancellor Prof. Stephen Kiama paid an emotional tribute to the former Chancellor, describing her as a champion of higher education whose generosity transformed the lives of countless students.
Dr Rattansi served as Chancellor of the University of Nairobi and was widely recognised for her philanthropy and unwavering support for higher education in Kenya.
To many students who benefitted from her philanthropy, Dr Rattansi was a special mother: soft-spoken, kind, respectful, elegant, humble, and ever-smiling.
Her legacy continues to be reflected in the many students and institutions she helped uplift.
Prof. Kiama said he received the news with profound sadness, remembering Dr Rattansi as a leader whose commitment to education extended far beyond the university.
He said her support through numerous academic scholarships opened opportunities for many young people to pursue higher education and realise their dreams.
On a personal level, Prof Kiama recalled Dr Rattansi’s unwavering support during one of the most difficult moments of his career.
“As I recounted in my autobiography, she stood resolutely by my side after the midnight message,” he said, without elaborating further.
Prof Kiama said Dr Rattansi’s contribution to the University of Nairobi and the country’s education sector would be remembered for generations.
He extended his condolences to her family, praying for strength and comfort during their time of grief.
“I extend my heartfelt prayers to her family, trusting that the God of all comfort will sustain them through this difficult period,” he said.
Dr Vijoo Rattansi served as the Chairperson of the Rattansi Educational Trust and the Daisy Eye Cancer Fund, while also sitting as a trustee of the Michael Blundell Trust, among other charitable organisations.
She built an extensive career in institutional development, conflict resolution and mediation, and was widely recognised for her expertise in fundraising, stakeholder engagement and networking.
Dr Rattansi also possessed vast experience in corporate governance, strategic planning, and gender and development issues. She was fluent in English, Kiswahili and Italian.
Dr Rattansi’s most iconic quotes from the 2021 and 2023 UoN graduation ceremony
“As you go into the world, arm yourself with the wisdom of the popcorn. All of them are placed in the same pot under the same conditions but pop differently.
“In this circle of life, don’t compare yourself to others; you might not walk into a job right away, but I assure you your time to pop is coming.”
“The path of duty is the way to glory, we must remain “woke” and guard against Icarus Complex,humility, adversity comes to all men, how you react is what matters, and finally advisers; never underestimate the value of surrounding yourself with a village of good advisers. Asking for advice is an act of humility, and verily, you are as good as the quality of advice you receive.”
In recognition of her outstanding contribution to advocate for higher education in Kenya, Moi University conferred upon her an honorary Doctor of Letters (D.Litt.) degree.
The Rattansi family’s commitment to education dates back to 1956. Over the past decade alone, the family has invested more than Sh120 million in supporting higher education across the country.
In acknowledgement of her dedication to education, the Government of Kenya honoured Dr Rattansi with the Order of the Grand Warrior (OGW) in 2006.
