CS Julius Ogamba Fires UoN Council Chairperson
The CS sanctioned this decision via a gazette notice published on Friday, effectively ending Anangwe's tenure.
Viral Tea Ke Writer 
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba on Friday, February 21 dismissed with immediate effect Professor Amukowa Anangwe as the chairperson of the Council of the University of Nairobi (UoN).
In a raft of changes to UoN's leadership, the CS sanctioned this decision via a gazette notice published on Friday, effectively ending Anangwe's tenure.
"In exercise of the powers conferred by section 36 (1) (a) of the Universities Act, 2012 as read together with section 51 (1) of the Interpretation and General Provisions Act, the Cabinet Secretary for Education revokes the appointment of Professor Amukowa Anangwe as the Chairperson of the Council of the University of Nairobi, with effect from the 21st February, 2025," the notice read.
His replacement is however yet to be announced. The move was in response to increasing pressure from the Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) and the National Assembly’s Education Committee, who accused Prof. Anangwe of interfering with staff affairs, mismanagement, and governance disputes at the university.
Fired University of Nairobi (UoN) council chairperson Professor Amukowa Anangwe during a past event. /UNIVERSITY OF NAIROBI
In an effort to restore order at the university, UASU gave the ministry a seven-day ultimatum to remove Prof. Anangwe or face demonstrations.
UASU raised concerns about unilateral decisions, unauthorized contract extensions, and the contentious Chief Operations Officer position. The union alleged that the former chairperson had overstepped boundaries by assuming the vice-chancellor’s responsibilities and making key decisions.
Meanwhile, the National Assembly committee criticized the Ministry of Education for neglecting the university’s management issues, warning that continued inaction could jeopardize its stability. The NA had also given the CS seven days to present a report outlining steps taken to resolve the leadership crisis.
Anangwe was notably in office when the council announced the termination of Professor Stephen Kiama as its Vice-Chancellor. While the reasons for his ouster were not openly disclosed by the council, the ouster was the culmination of a row between the professor and the university.
In August, the University Council suspended Kiama for three months, stating his failure to meet the requirements for a second term, which the council argued was not suitable for him to remain in office. The Council went ahead and appointed Prof. Margaret Hutchinson as the acting vice-chancellor.
In additional changes, the CS revoked Dr. Christopher Andrew Langat’s appointment as a board member of the Commission for University Education without providing a reason.
Moreover, the CS introduced further adjustments at Nyandarua National Polytechnic and the Commission for University Education. At Nyandarua National Polytechnic, Ogamba appointed Prof. Geoffrey Wahungu as the chairperson of the University Council for a three-year term.
The newly appointed council members include Reuben Gitau Gicheha, Immaculate W. Kamau, Charles A. Ndiege, Dr. Connie Okwisa Mogaka, and Peter Kiwial Pembee.
