The University of Nairobi (UON) has issued a statement in response to claims raised by the University Academic Staff Union (UASU) regarding staff appointments, financial mismanagement, and land takeover claims.
In a statement released on Wednesday, February 19, UON acknowledged that public universities across Kenya, including UON, are facing significant financial constraints.
“We acknowledge that the University is currently navigating unprecedented financial challenges that demand urgent and decisive action,” read the statement in part.
“Recognizing this urgent challenge, the Government has approved a 24-month transformation agenda to be executed by the University, under the Chancellor’s titular leadership.”
The University added that this initiative aims to restore financial stability and lay the foundation for long-term sustainability.
UON Admits Institution Facing Financial Troubles
It said the agenda includes reforming academic programs, enhancing productivity, diversifying revenue streams including but not limited to the commercialization of idle assets.
“Prior to this, continuous consultations have been ongoing, involving engagements with various stakeholders, including staff, students, and industry partners,” the statement read in parts.
“These discussions were preceded by the launch of the ‘Big 5’ transformation agenda, emphasizing the University’s commitment to inclusive decision-making.”
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UoN further stated that a series of forums and town hall meetings have been scheduled to gather additional insights and ensure the effective implementation of this transformative agenda.
At the same time, the university mentioned that it is concerning that in the face of these challenges, “some disgruntled elements that have benefitted illegally from the current status quo are resisting the necessary reforms in order to perpetuate malpractice, corruption and abuse of office.
University Warns Staff Over Strike
The institution also urged the University staff to refrain from perpetuating strikes to disrupt the University’s progress.
“We strongly believe that the threats being issued belatedly are diversionary tactics intended to impede the transformation agenda of the University, and to protect certain individuals within the Union who are facing investigations for disciplinary actions related to allegations of financial impropriety,” UoN said.
“We call upon UASU and other stakeholders to allow investigations to proceed without obstruction and to let the law take its cause, including the intervention by relevant investigative agencies of government.”
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Staff Appointments and Promotions
UoN stated that its governing organs are properly constituted and continue to fulfill their mandates in line with the Universities Act, 2012, the University Charter, 2013, and other relevant laws.
It emphasized that this is in contrast to the baseless allegations made, noting that decisions and actions are taken at various levels as prescribed by law and procedure.
“As outlined in the Universities Act, Section 12, sub-sections 3(c) and 3(d), the Chancellor is entitled to advise the Council as needed for the betterment of the University and is entitled to certain powers and privileges as prescribed by the Charter,” UoN said further.
“Section 18 elaborates on the responsibilities of the Council, particularly in subsection 8, which empowers the Council to determine recruitment, appointment, and promotion methods for all University staff responsibilities that do not fall under the Vice Chancellor’s purview. “
Additionally, UoN stated that Section 18(9) empowers the Chair of the Council, amongst others, to communicate Council resolutions for implementation.
However, this does not amount to an infringement on the Vice Chancellor’s mandate to be CEO and head of academic affairs.
Meanwhile, UoN said the Chancellor serves in a pro bono capacity and does not receive any salary or benefits from the University and appealed to the unions to participate constructively in these discussions.
Why Staff Wants Dissolution of Council
The statement comes after UASU issued a seven-day strike notice to the university demanding the immediate disbandment of the university council over claims of mismanagement and looting.
The union, led by its chairperson, Dr Richard Bosire, called for the removal of university council chairperson, Amukoa Anangwe, whom they accuse of sabotaging operations.
“We shall stop all activity at the university in seven days. The University of Nairobi is dying because of looting,” he said.
“The lack of urgency in dissolving the University Council will cripple the institution. We call upon the Education CS, Julius Ogamba to take quick action. We are not ready to watch our university collapse and die in our eyes. He must take action. He should send the council home immediately.”
According to UASU, powerful government officials are plotting to seize university land located opposite the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) and near Hotel Boulevard on James Gichuru Road.
The land hosts graduate apartments, and the union claims its loss has cost the university billions. They are now calling for the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to investigate the matter.
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