Former University of Nairobi Chancellor Dr. Vijoo Rattansi has died, drawing tributes from leaders, education stakeholders and members of the academic community who have praised her lifelong commitment to advancing higher education and supporting disadvantaged students.
Her death was confirmed on Thursday, July 30, by former University of Nairobi Vice Chancellor Prof. Stephen Kiama Gitahi, who described Dr. Rattansi as a champion of education whose generosity transformed the lives of thousands of learners.
“It is with profound sadness that I learned of the passing of Dr. Vijoo Rattansi, former Chancellor of the University of Nairobi,” Kiama said in a condolence message.
He hailed her unwavering dedication to expanding access to higher education, noting that her legacy would continue to live on through the many students whose academic journeys were made possible through her support.
Dr. Rattansi made history in 2013 when she became the first woman to serve as Chancellor of the University of Nairobi, a position she held until 2023.
Throughout her tenure, she was widely recognized for promoting access to education through scholarships and philanthropic initiatives that benefited thousands of students across Kenya.
Beyond her role at the University of Nairobi, she led the Rattansi Educational Trust, a charitable foundation that provided school fees and scholarships to financially disadvantaged students pursuing higher education.
She also served as chairperson and trustee of several organizations, including the Daisy Eye Cancer Fund, the Sir Michael Blundell Trust and the Slums Information Development and Resource Centres (SIDERAC), contributing significantly to education, healthcare and community development.
Her outstanding service to the nation earned her several honors, including the Order of the Grand Warrior (OGW) in 2006. She was also awarded an honorary Doctor of Letters degree in recognition of her contribution to education and philanthropy.
Businesswoman and Nairobi gubernatorial aspirant Anne Kagure was among leaders who paid tribute to the late educationist, describing her as a visionary whose work created opportunities for generations of learners.
“My heartfelt condolences and prayers go out to the University of Nairobi community, the family, and friends of former Chancellor Dr. Vijoo Rattansi following her passing,” Kagure said.
“Dr. Rattansi will be remembered as a distinguished educatioinish and visionary whose lifelong commitment to education opened doors for countless people in Kenya and beyond, transforming lives through opportunity and learning.”
Dr. Rattansi’s death marks the end of a distinguished career dedicated to expanding access to education, empowering vulnerable students and strengthening Kenya’s higher education sector through philanthropy and visionary leadership.
