Former Chancellor of the University of Nairobi, Dr. Vijoo Rattansi, has been confirmed dead.

Her death was confirmed in a condolence message on July 30 by former University of Nairobi Vice Chancellor Prof. Kiama Gitahi.

Prof. Gitahi mourned Dr. Rattansi as a distinguished education advocate who contributed to the growth of higher education through her support for academic scholarships.

Dr. Vijoo Rattansi Mourned

He described her as a person who opened opportunities for many students and extended his condolences and prayers to her family during the mourning period.

“It is with profound sadness that I learned of the passing of Dr. Vijoo Rattansi, former Chancellor of the University of Nairobi.Dr. Rattansi was a champion of higher education whose generosity, through numerous academic scholarships, opened doors for many. On a personal level, as I recounted in my autobiography, she stood resolutely by my side after the midnight message. I extend my heartfelt prayers to her family, trusting that the God of all comfort will sustain them through this difficult period,” Gitahi said in his message.

Dr. Rattansi Career and Leadership Roles

Dr. Vijoo Rattansi served as the Chairperson and Trustee of the Rattansi Educational Trust, a family trust established in 1956.

The trust has supported higher education in Kenya for decades by providing financial assistance to students and promoting access to academic opportunities.

She served as Chancellor of the University of Nairobi after her appointment to the position in 2014. In the role, she provided leadership and guidance to the institution, supporting its academic and institutional development.

Beyond her work in education, Dr. Rattansi held leadership positions in several organizations. She was associated with the Daisy Eye Cancer Fund, Michael Blundell Trust, Kenya Community Development Fund, East Africa Association of Grantmakers (EAAG), and the Highway Secondary School Board of Governors.

Vijoo Rattansi was awarded the Order of the Grand Warrior (OGW) in 2006 in recognition of her contribution to supporting higher education in Kenya.

She also received an honorary Doctor of Letters (D.Litt.) degree from Moi University for her contribution to the advancement of higher education and support for academic development in the country.

Rattansi’s Family Life

Vijoo Rattansi was married to Hassanally Rattansi, an educationist, humanitarian, and sportsman known for his contribution to education and sports development in Kenya.

Hassanally Rattansi founded Nairobi Sports House in 1948, which became associated with the promotion of sports equipment and activities in the country.

After Hassanally Rattansi’s death in 2003, Dr. Rattansi took over the leadership of the family’s education trust. She continued the philanthropic work associated with the Rattansi family, focusing on supporting education opportunities for students.

Publicly available profiles indicate that Dr. Vijoo Rattansi and her husband Hassanally Rattansi had five children, including Riaz Rattansi and Rafiq Rattansi.

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Former UoN Chancellor Dr. Vijoo Rattansi Dies
The University of Nairobi Main Campus. PHOTO/UoN