UON-power struggles

The University of Nairobi (UoN) is facing a leadership crisis, prompting faculty members to urge Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu to step in and resolve the ongoing dispute.

Professor Stephen Kiama, the Vice Chancellor, has been placed on compulsory leave twice in the past six months. The University Council, led by Chair Amukowa Anangwe, directed Professor Ayub Njoroge to assume the VC role in April 2024. However, Kiama has defied the decision and continues to assert his authority.

The Universities Academic Staff Union (UoN Chapter) is calling for Machogu's intervention to end the power struggle. Chair Richard Bosire believes the government has the resources to identify the root cause of the conflict. He emphasizes the negative impact these wrangles have on the university's reputation and urges decisive action. Bosire attributes the problems to a lack of adherence to established university governance structures.

UoN Chapter Secretary Maloba Wekesa expresses disappointment in the public display of disunity. He emphasizes the esteemed positions held by faculty members and the need for a more professional approach. Wekesa further criticizes the alleged illegitimacy of the current UoN Council, citing frequent changes in leadership due to political interference.

Legal challenges also cloud the situation. A March 2024 High Court ruling restricted the Education CS's power to dissolve university councils. However, the judge reportedly stopped short of enforcing the decision, creating further uncertainty. Wekesa emphasizes the university's need for stability to fulfill its role as a leading research and education institution.