Following on from yesterday’s posting in the Kenya Forum – University of Nairobi – Fee Hikes and Major Restructuring to Tackle Financial Crisis and Falling Enrollment – it is now clear that the UoN’s cash flow and restructuring crisis is deepening.

UoN’s Sh7 billion Tax Bill

It has now been reported that in addition to the embattled university’s woes, Kenya’s leading public university faces a tax bill of Sh7 billion and court action aimed at stopping the proposed massive hike in tuition fees.

It transpires that the UoN also owes the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) Sh7 billion over unpaid payroll taxes, retirement benefits and insurance premiums for employees.

In theory the university could face the seizure of its assets and other sanctions.

Doctor’s Union Court Action

Meanwhile, the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists’ Union has gone to court in an effort to halt plans to substantially raise the fees for postgraduate courses.

The Union argues that the increased fees will reduce opportunities for advanced learning and training. The Union further argues that the proposed increase in fees was done without consultation.

Many students affected by the three-fold increase in fees, will be members of the Union studying medicine, dentistry and pharmacy.

Mr Justice Anthony Mrima has directed the Union to serve the university with court documents before the case is heard on July 19.