The mystery surrounding the fate of embattled University of Nairobi (UoN) Vice Chancellor (VC) Prof. Kiama Stephen Gitahi continues to unfold following a recent event where he was spotted in a meeting hosted by President William Ruto.
President Ruto on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, hosted Vice Chancellors (VCs) at State House Nairobi to evaluate the funding model of public universities.
The Head of State in a statement revealed that the meeting which was also attended by Education Cabinet Secretary (CS) Ezekiel Machogu, featured public universities VCs and principals of constituent colleges.
“I have met the vice-chancellors of public universities and principals of constituent colleges to evaluate the funding model introduced last year,” said Ruto.
However, the highlight of the meeting was the presence of embattled UoN Vice Chancellor Prof. Kiama who is currently involved in a row with the University Council.
Prof. Kiama Row with University Council
Prof. Kiama and the University Senate have been involved in a row since the University Council in a statement on April 19 announced that it had resolved to send the VC on leave effective immediately.
Following the announcement, the Council appointed Prof. Ayub Njoroge Gitau, Dean Faculty of Engineering to act as the VC with effect from Friday, April 19, 2024.
Also Read: Decorated Career of UoN Vice Chancellor Who Has Refused to Go on Leave
However, Prof. Kiama while rubbishing the Council’s decision called upon the staff and students to ignore the communication that he was to proceed on leave, raising confusion in the higher learning institution.
In a statement on April 22, the VC warned that the matter had elicited a lot of publicity and that it had the potential to lead to apprehension to both members of staff and students.
“My attention is drawn to a communication which was circulated to all members of staff and students by Mr John Orindi on Friday 19th April 2024 at 6:27 PM claiming that the Vice Chancellor had proceeded on leave. I call upon all members of staff and students to ignore the communication,” read the statement in part.
The VC further asked the university staff to commit to driving the University of Nairobi to a globally competitive learning institution.
Additionally, the uncertainty over the leadership at the University elicited reactions from students.
Also Read: UoN VC Standoff: New Twist as Council Clarifies Prof Kiama’s Leave
Led by a section of their leaders, UoN students while declaring their stance over the matter came out to defend Prof. Kiama.
Students React
The University of Nairobi Students Organization (UNSO) while speaking on May 27, said Prof Kiama should not be sent on compulsory leave.
One of the student leaders Michael Soi asked the government to step in and solve the leadership stalemate at the institution.
“We are asking the public service commission to weigh in on this matter because the students are now at unrest,” Soi said.
In addition, UNSO Secretary General Ramesh Saxena said the continued row between the University Senate and the VC is affecting activities at the institution.
Saxena further lamented that the country is not giving the University the attention it deserves despite it facing many issues and being the biggest learning institution in Kenya.
“UoN is the biggest public institution in our country, and we must not sit aside and let it lose its glory. It therefore pains us that we have all these problems at the institution, but no one really seems to give a voice of reason,” he said.
The Secretary General expressed concerns over stalled learning in the institution saying that students are not being taught as the lecturers are confused about the institution’s management.
The leaders further noted that Prof Kiama normally sends messages warning students not to support his compulsory leaves or risk being suspended.
Meanwhile, President Ruto in a statement after the meeting revealed that the attending VCs confirmed that the financing model is working.
“The Government is committed to enhance budgetary support for the differentiated unit cost for continuing students,” said Ruto.
Ruto further announced that they came into an agreement that in three years’ time, the model will sort out the financial challenges facing universities.
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