The University of Nairobi (UoN) Council has announced the termination of Professor Stephen Kiama’s tenure as the Vice-Chancellor (VC) of the institution.
The union in a statement dated October 14 stated that Prof Kiama ceased being VC on September 27 with reasons for his termination promptly communicated to him.
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“Reference is made to the communique issued by the Council to the university community on 2nd August 2024. The Council wishes to inform the University community that Prof. Stephen Gitahi Kiama’s services as an employee of the University of Nairobi were terminated effective 27th September 2024,” reads the statement in part.
“The university community should rest assured that whenever called upon, the Council will rise to the occasion and discharge its mandate faithfully and within the beacons of law.”
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The Council called for individual and collective commitment to dedicated service in the pursuit of the university’s vision and mission to our society, our country Kenya and the world at large.
Prof Kiama Suspension
This comes after the Council early in August Kiama for a period of three months. The University Council alleged that Kiama had failed to meet requirements to be appointed for a second term.
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Consequently, the Council appointed Professor Margaret Hutchinson as acting VC.
Also Read: Margret Hutchinson: Profile of New UoN VC Installed After Stephen Kiama’s Suspension
Prof. Stephen Kiama’s woes started back on September 2023, when he abruptly cut short his leave and resumed duties earlier than anticipated.
The unexpected saga unfolded after the UoN Council approved Prof. Kiama’s request for a six-month leave, starting from August 1, 2023, to exhaust his leave days as per his contract and in light of another circular from the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) addressed to all universities.
Kiama proceeded on a leave for 23 working days but returned to work on September 1, 2023, earlier than expected. Upon his early return, Kiama proceeded to evict Prof. Julius Ogeng’o, who had been serving as the acting Vice Chancellor in his absence.
Later on, April 19, 2024, the council sent Professor Kiama on a compulsory leave while at the same time appointing Prof. Ayub Njoroge Gitau as the acting Vice Chancellor. Kiama, would later disown the communication regarding his purported leave, terming it as unofficial.
Also Read: Monicah Malith: UoN Graduate Rubbing Shoulders with World Leaders at UN General Assembly
Woes Surrounding Kiama’s Leadership
On January 5, 2020, Prof. Julia Ojiambo, then Chairperson of the University of Nairobi Council, released a statement expressing gratitude to all stakeholders and the university community for their role in selecting a new Vice Chancellor.
She announced the appointment of Kiama as the new VC, pending presidential ratification. However, this appointment was not finalized.
Shortly thereafter, the late Prof. George Magoha, the then Minister of Education, dissolved the entire University of Nairobi Council and revoked Kiama’s appointment.
Instead, Prof. Isaac Mbeche was appointed as the acting Vice Chancellor. Labor Court would later suspend the revocation of Kiama’s appointment.
The university don was appointed to the position of the office of the vice chancellor for a five-year term period due in January 2025.
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