Stephen Kiama, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nairobi, has denied reports that he was sent on leave.
Kiama stated in a communiqué on Monday that he is aware of a message made on April 19 informing him that he would be going on leave.
He trashed the communication, asking all members and students to disregard the directive.
“This matter has elicited a lot of publicity and has the potential to lead to apprehension to both members of staff and students,” Kiama said in a statement.
“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.”
According to the memo, the University of Nairobi Council, during a meeting on April 19, ordered Kiama’s obligatory leave.
The council’s chairperson, Amukova Anangwe, announced that Prof Ayub Njoroge Gitau has been chosen as the acting Vice Chancellor.
“The Council resolves that Vice Chancellor Prof. Stephen Kiama Gitahi go on leave beginning April 19, 2024. That Prof. Ayub Njoroge Gitau, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, has been appointed as Vice Chancellor, beginning Friday, April 19, 2024,” stated a memo in part.
In September 2023, the council approved Kiama’s six-month leave beginning August 1 pending the expiration of his contract, only for him to return to the institution a month later.
