Row Looms After UoN VC Stephen Kiama Refuses To Go On Leave

This came after the UoN council sent him on compulsory leave on Friday, April 19 and appointed Prof. Ayub Njoroge Gitau as the acting Vice-Chancellor.

Marvin Chege Marvin Chege
Apr 22, 2024 - 13:41
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Row Looms After UoN VC Stephen Kiama Refuses To Go On Leave
University of Nairobi (UoN) vice chancellor, Prof Stephen Kiama, during a past forum. /UON

University of Nairobi (UoN) Vice Chancellor, Prof Stephen Kiama has dismissed a previous communication that directed him to go on leave.

In a statement on Monday morning, April 22, the VC directed members of the university staff and students to ignore the directive, assuring that he was still in office.

This came after the UoN council sent him on compulsory leave on Friday, April 19 and appointed Prof. Ayub Njoroge Gitau as the acting Vice-Chancellor.

The University of Nairobi towers at night. /CHINA WU YI

"My attention is drawn to a communication which was circulated to all members of staff and students on Friday 19th April 2024 at 6:27 PM claiming that the Vice Chancellor had proceeded on leave. This matter has elicited a lot of publicity and has the potential to lead to apprehension among both members of staff and students.

"I call upon all members of staff and students to ignore the communication. 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," read the statement in part.

News regarding the VC's leave sent mixed reactions as well as raised concerns across sections of the university community.

The UoN council chaired by Professor Amukova Anangwe announced the decision to send Prof Kiama on compulsory leave during a meeting held on Friday.

The council announced that Prof. Ayub Njoroge Gitau, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering had been appointed to act as the Vice Chancellor with immediate effect.

“The University fraternity is called upon to support Professor Ayub Njoroge Gitau as he discharges how new responsibility as the Acting Vice Chancellor of the University of Nairobi,” the memo stated in part.

In September 2023, the council gave Kiama the green light to proceed on six-month leave from August 1 pending the expiry of his contract, only for him to return to the university a month later.

Amid the ongoing stalemate over his leadership, the UoN council said it will continue working together with embattled Kiama.

In January this year, President William Ruto appointed the Netherlands National and Global Center on Adaptation Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Prof Patrick V. Verkooijen as the Chancellor of UoN for five years.

UoN Chancellor Patrick Verkooijen (left) and President William Ruto at State House, Nairobi. /PCS

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