The council of Meru University of Science and Technology has sent Vice Chancellor Romanus Odhiambo on terminal leave and declined to renew his five-year contract over poor performance.
In a letter dated February 28, 2023, Council Chairman Rosin Mwebi stated that the Council had evaluated Odhiambo’s performance and found it to be below expectations.
He stated that the Council had declined to renew Odhiambo’s contract as requested in his letter dated December 20, 2022.
“The University Council in its meeting held on February 27, 2023 evaluated your performance and found it be below expectations. Therefore the council declined to renew your contract as requested in your letter dated December 20, 2022,” the letter reads in part.
The letter also stated that Odhiambo was not authorised to transact on any capital project in the University but restrict his transactions only to personal emoluments and recurrent expenditure.
“You are not authorised to transact on any capital project in the university but restrict your transactions only to personal emoluments and recurrent expenditure. You are required to proceed on your pending leave of 121 days once a suitable replacement has been identified.”
Since July 2018, Odhiambo has served as the Vice Chancellor of Meru University. Former Education Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed appointed him.
However, allegations of mismanagement and abuse of power have dogged his tenure. He has also faced criticism from faculty and students who claim he violates their academic freedom and rights.
Meru university employees staged a protest on Monday, accusing Odhiambo of illegalities and impunity in hiring staff, and they want the Nairobi campus closed.
They claimed that because of numerous and unnecessary trips, the council budget is larger than the academic budget.
Charity Gichuki will serve as acting Vice Chancellor, according to a letter dated March 3, 2023.
