Tributes have continued to pour in following the death of former University of Nairobi Chancellor Dr Vijoo Rattansi, a respected educationist and philanthropist whose work helped thousands of students access education.
The news of her death was confirmed on Thursday, July 30, by former University of Nairobi Vice Chancellor Prof Kiama Gitahi through a condolence message.
Leaders, educators, and members of the academic community described her as a dedicated champion of education who spent many years supporting students and expanding opportunities for learning.
“It is with profound sadness that I learned of the passing of Dr Vijoo Rattansi, former Chancellor of the University of Nairobi,” Muigai said in a statement.
He praised her commitment to ensuring more young people could access higher education, noting that her impact would continue to be felt through the many students whose academic journeys were made possible through her support.
Dr Rattansi made history when she became the first woman to serve as Chancellor of the University of Nairobi.
She held the position from 2013 to 2023 and played an important role in supporting the institution during her tenure.
Throughout her career, she became widely known for her efforts to improve access to education, especially for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Beyond her role at the university, she led the Rattansi Educational Trust, a charitable foundation that provided school fees and scholarships to needy students. Through the trust, many young people were able to continue their studies and pursue careers that may otherwise have been out of reach.
Her service also extended to several other organisations where she worked as a chairperson and trustee. These included the Daisy Eye Cancer Fund, the Sir Michael Blundell Trust, and the Slums Information Development and Resource Centres (SIDERAC).
Through these positions, she contributed to initiatives focused on health, education, and community development.
In recognition of her contributions to society, Dr Rattansi received several honours.
She was awarded the Order of the Grand Warrior (OGW) in 2006 and also received an honorary Doctor of Letters degree for her achievements in education and philanthropy.
Among those who paid tribute was businesswoman and Nairobi gubernatorial aspirant Anne Kagure, who remembered her as a visionary leader whose dedication to learning changed countless lives.
“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 educationist and a visionary whose lifelong commitment to education opened doors for countless people in Kenya and beyond, transforming lives through opportunity and learning.”
Her passing marks the end of a remarkable career devoted to education, philanthropy, and the empowerment of young people. Her legacy is expected to live on through the many students and communities that benefited from her lifelong commitment to creating opportunities through learning.
