The University of Nairobi Vice-Chancellor Prof. Stephen Kiama has been sent on yet another compulsory leave, barely a month after he dismissed a similiar directive by the institution’s council.
The UoN Council announced on Tuesday that Prof. Ayub Njoroge Gitau, who was appointed in an interim capacity last month, will continue in the role.
According to Council Chairperson Amukowa Anangwe, the directive followed a decision on April 19, 2024 to send Prof. Kiama on compulsory leave due to allegations of mismanagement of university resources and staff intimidation.
“The council of the University of Nairobi, as the employer, is deeply concerned about the continued harassment, intimidation and misuse of staff and resources by unauthorised persons, despite its earlier pronouncement on the matter,” Prof Anangwe stated as quoted by the Nation.
The council also decided that new letters will be issued authorizing the fulfillment of duties in 24 administrative roles.
Staff members affected by the university’s leadership impasse, as well as all staff transfers and movements that were carried out against the council’s wishes, have been asked to return to their previous stations immediately.
Following the April leave communiqué, Prof. Kiama denounced the reports and asked all members and students to disregard the order.
“This matter has elicited a lot of publicity and has the potential to lead to apprehension to both members of staff and students,” said Kiama at the time.
“In the meantime, I call on all of us to recommit to the task ahead of driving the university to a truly globally competitive university transforming society.”
