Education Cabinet Secretary (CS) Julius Ogamba has revoked the appointment of four University of Nairobi (UoN) council members.
In a gazette notice dated April 11, 2025, Ogamba revoked the appointments of Sally Toroitich, Ahmed Abdullahi, Parmain Ole Narikae, and Carren Kerubo with immediate effect.
“In exercise of the powers conferred by section 36 (1) (d) 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- Sally Ngeringwony Toroitich, Ahmed Sheikh Abdullahi. Parmain Ole Narikae (Dr.), Carren Kerubo Omwenga, as Members of the Council of the University of Nairobi, with effect from the 11th of April 2025,” read the notice.
The decision comes days after Members of Parliament exposed deep divisions between the University of Nairobi’s management and its council—rifts that have been blamed for fueling a prolonged power struggle at the country’s premier institution.
Appearing before the National Assembly Education Committee on April 1, UoN acting Vice Chancellor Prof. Margaret Hutchinson described the relationship between the university’s leadership and the council as “toxic.”
Four UoN Council Members Fired by CS Julius Ogamba
She acknowledged the existing tensions but expressed her commitment to fostering a more collaborative and supportive environment moving forward.
“Where we have been has not been a good place, where management and council don’t seem to see eye to eye,” she said.
“So, there is an opportunity for us to have a more conducive environment, because where we are now is quite toxic, and that’s why I was giving you just a glimpse of that.”
Education Committee Chairman and Tinderet MP, Julius Melly criticised the University of Nairobi council for allegedly overstepping its mandate, claiming it had taken over the day-to-day operations of the institution — a role legally reserved for the university management.
“We have noted with a lot of concern that the council is engaging in illegalities that are not supported by law, including the day-to-day running of the institution,” Melly said during an inspection tour of the university, where the committee met with the management team led by Prof. Hutchinson.
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Court Reinstates UoN Council Chair Amukowa Anangwe After Dismissal
This also follows the February 22 dismissal of Prof. Amukowa Anangwe as Chairperson of the University of Nairobi (UoN) by Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba.
However, in a ruling delivered on Wednesday, February 26, High Court Judge Bahati Mwamuye issued temporary orders reinstating Anangwe pending the determination of the case.
The court’s intervention came days after Members of Parliament exposed deep divisions between the university’s management and its council—tensions that have fueled a protracted leadership dispute at the institution.
At the same time, Justice Mwamuye barred Education CS Ogamba and Attorney General Dorcus Oduor from appointing anyone else to the position.
“Pending the inter-partes hearing and determination of the Petitioner’s Notice of Motion Application dated 25/02/2025, a conservatory order be and is hereby issued maintaining the obtaining status quo that arose as a result of Gazette Notice No. 6767 dated 22/02/2025,” read the ruling in parts.
The judge further ruled that the orders against Ogamba would remain in effect until the professor’s case challenging his dismissal is heard and determined.
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UASU Officials Decry Poor Management by University Council
The University Academic Staff Union (UASU) issued a strike notice to the University of Nairobi in February, demanding the immediate disbandment of the university council over allegations of mismanagement and looting.
According to the union, a complete overhaul of the council was necessary to address the numerous challenges facing the institution.
UASU National Secretary-General Constantine Wasonga urged the CS to revoke the appointment of all council members to pave the way for reform, emphasizing that the issue remains a top priority for the union.
“We are not going to take the happenings at the University of Nairobi lightly. Degazetting only the chair is not enough. We want the whole council to go,” Dr Wasonga said.
On his part, UASU UoN chapter Chair Dr. Richard Bosire stated that the effort to restore sanity to the troubled institution is far from over.
“We expect him to move swiftly and remove the entire council and also engage quickly to appoint a new council with a new chair, people who have public interest in their hearts, not people who are coming to swindle the university resources,” Dr Bosire said.
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