A photo collage of the former President Uhuru Kenyatta and former University of Nairobi Chancellor Vijoo Rattansi/ FILEFormer President Uhuru Kenyatta has joined Kenyans in mourning former University of Nairobi Chancellor Dr Vijoo Rattansi, describing her as an exceptional leader whose contribution to higher education left an enduring mark on the country.
In a condolence message issued on Thursday, Uhuru said he had learnt of Rattansi's death with profound sadness, noting that her decade-long service as Chancellor of the University of Nairobi from 2013 to 2023 represented a significant chapter in Kenya's higher education history.
Rattansi made history as the university's first female Chancellor, serving in the role for 10 years.
"It is with profound sadness that I have learned of the untimely demise of Vijoo Rattansi, former Chancellor of the University of Nairobi, whose distinguished service spanning a decade, from 2013 to 2023 as the institution's first female Chancellor marked a significant chapter in Kenya's higher education landscape," Uhuru said.
The former President described Rattansi as a passionate advocate for education who dedicated her life to promoting academic excellence and nurturing future leaders.
According to Uhuru, her commitment to education inspired generations of students, scholars and leaders both at the University of Nairobi and beyond.
"Rattansi was an exceptional leader, a passionate advocate for education, and a woman of remarkable grace and integrity. Her unwavering commitment to academic excellence, leadership development, and the advancement of education inspired countless students, scholars, and leaders during her tenure of service at the University of Nairobi and beyond," he said.
Uhuru extended his condolences to Rattansi's family, friends and the University of Nairobi community, saying her death was a great loss to the country.
"On behalf of my family and myself, I extend my heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, the University of Nairobi community, and all whose lives she touched. May they find comfort and strength during this difficult time," he said.
He concluded his message with prayers for her family.
"May the Almighty God grant Vijoo Rattansi eternal rest and her loved ones the fortitude to bear this great loss," he said.
Former Public Service Cabinet Secretary Margaret Kobia also mourned Rattansi, describing her as a great supporter of higher education throughout her life.
Kobia who currently serves as the Chancellor St Pauls University said Rattansi will greatly be missed.
"My deepest heartfelt condolences go out to the family of Vijoo Rattansi who was a great supporter of Higher education throughout her life. She led with integrity and she always advocated for effective governance systems in higher education. She was my friend and she will surely be missed."
Rattansi's death was announced earlier on Thursday.
Former University of Nairobi Vice Chancellor Stephen Kiama paid tribute to her, describing her as a champion of higher education whose philanthropy transformed the lives of many students through scholarships and mentorship.
Beyond her role at the University of Nairobi, Rattansi served as chairperson of the Rattansi Educational Trust and the Daisy Eye Cancer Fund and was a trustee of the Michael Blundell Trust, among other charitable organisations.
She was widely recognised for her work in institutional development, conflict resolution, fundraising, corporate governance and stakeholder engagement.
