The late Dr Vijoo Rattansi.Former University of Nairobi Chancellor Dr Vijoo Rattansi
was on Thursday remembered as a visionary education champion and philanthropist
whose work opened the doors of higher education to thousands of poor students
across Kenya.
Her family and the University of Nairobi had not disclosed
the cause of death on Thursday.
Current University of Nairobi Chancellor Patrick Verkooijen
said her leadership helped shape the university's modern identity and left a
lasting mark on the institution.
"It is with a profound sense of sadness and a heavy
heart that I have learned of the passing of my esteemed predecessor,"
Verkooijen said in a condolence message on behalf of the university community.
He described Dr Rattansi as a trailblazer whose leadership
was defined by dedication, wisdom and grace.
"Her decade-long tenure as chancellor transformed the
institution and strengthened its pursuit of academic excellence and global engagement.
She laid a firm foundation upon which we continue to build," he said.
Verkooijen said her greatest legacy may be found in the
thousands of young people whose education she helped finance through the
Rattansi Educational Trust and other charitable programmes.
Dr Rattansi served as the University of Nairobi's first
female Chancellor from 2013 to 2023.
Former University of Nairobi Vice Chancellor Prof Stephen
Kiama described her as a steadfast supporter of higher education whose
generosity gave many students a chance to achieve their dreams.
He said Dr Rattansi viewed education as a powerful tool for
changing lives and worked tirelessly to ensure talented but needy students did
not miss opportunities because of financial hardship.
"Her support through numerous academic scholarships
opened opportunities for many young people to pursue higher education and
realise their dreams," Kiama said.
On a personal level, he said Dr Rattansi stood by him during
one of the most difficult periods of his leadership at the university.
"As I recounted in my autobiography, she stood
resolutely by my side after the midnight message," Kiama said, without
giving further details.
He added that her contribution to the University of Nairobi
and Kenya's education sector would continue to inspire generations.
"I extend my heartfelt prayers to her family, trusting
that the God of all comfort will sustain them through this difficult
period," he said.
Although she was widely known for her role at the University
of Nairobi, Dr Rattansi's work stretched far beyond one institution.
She chaired the Rattansi Educational Trust, which has
supported university students for decades, and led the Daisy Eye Cancer Fund.
She also served as a trustee of the Michael Blundell Trust
and several other charitable organisations dedicated to education and social
development.
According to the university, the Rattansi family's support
for education dates back to 1956.
Over the last decade alone, the family invested more than
Sh120 million in expanding access to higher education through scholarships and
other forms of student support.
Dr Rattansi also built a distinguished career in
institutional development, fundraising, conflict resolution and mediation.
She was recognised for her expertise in corporate
governance, strategic planning, stakeholder engagement and gender and
development issues.
Her contributions earned national recognition. In 2006, the
government awarded her the Order of the Grand Warrior (OGW) for her service to
the country.
Moi University later conferred on her an honorary Doctor of
Letters degree in recognition of her contribution to higher education.
Speaking to graduates in 2021, she encouraged young people
to be patient with their journeys in life.
"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," she said.
"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."
At the 2023 graduation ceremony, Dr Rattansi urged graduates
to remain humble and seek wise counsel throughout their careers.
"The path of duty is the way to glory. We must remain
'woke' and guard against the Icarus Complex. Humility, adversity comes to all
men, how you react is what matters," she said.
She also reminded graduates of the importance of trusted
mentors and 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."
Friends, colleagues and former students have described Dr
Rattansi as soft-spoken, humble, elegant and approachable despite her many
achievements.
As tributes continue from across the education sector, many
say her greatest memorial will not be the offices she held or the honours she
received, but the thousands of graduates whose futures were changed because she
believed education should be within reach of every deserving student.
