Global university leaders have called for sweeping governance reforms, warning that institutions risk deeper financial distress, weaker research, and declining innovation unless leadership systems are strengthened.
The warning was issued during a high-level higher education leadership forum held at Lancaster University in the United Kingdom, where university council chairpersons, vice-chancellors, and governance experts discussed the future of universities amid growing financial and technological pressures.
Participants said universities must strengthen governance by bringing greater expertise in finance, technology, legal oversight, and risk management to improve decision-making and ensure long-term sustainability.
Financial Crisis Raises Alarm
The appeal comes as public universities continue to struggle with mounting financial challenges.
More than 23 public universities are reportedly facing insolvency while collectively carrying about KSh85.28 billion in pending bills.
The liabilities include unpaid supplier invoices, pension contributions, statutory deductions, and outstanding bank loans accumulated over several years.
Leaders at the forum argued that governance weaknesses, including unclear roles between university councils and management teams, have contributed to the financial strain affecting many institutions.
AI and Changing Education Landscape
The forum also highlighted the growing impact of artificial intelligence on higher education, saying universities must rethink teaching methods, curriculum design, and digital infrastructure to prepare graduates for an evolving job market.
Participants further encouraged institutions to diversify their income by commercialising research, strengthening industry partnerships, and expanding endowment funds as traditional funding sources become increasingly unreliable.
Call for Governance Reforms
Mount Kenya University Council Chair Dr Vincent Gaitho said universities must move beyond compliance-driven governance and embrace strategic leadership capable of delivering long-term institutional growth.
He challenged governing councils to play a more active role in shaping the future of universities instead of merely supervising their operations.
Gaitho added that academic excellence alone is no longer enough to guarantee institutional success, arguing that effective governance will determine whether universities can remain financially sustainable, drive innovation, and adapt to future challenges.
He made the remarks while leading a joint delegation from Mount Kenya University and Mount Kigali University during the leadership forum in the United Kingdom.
