The University of Nairobi (UoN), Vice Chancellor, Prof. Stephen Kiama, has disowned earlier communication regarding his purported leave, terming it as unofficial.
This comes after the UoN Council sent Prof. Kiama on compulsory leave on Friday 19th April 2024 appointing Prof. Ayub Njoroge Gitau as the acting Vice Chancellor.
However, the reasons behind Prof. Kiama’s leave remained undisclosed even in the in the internal memo.
The saga began when a communication allegedly sent by Mr. John Orindi on behalf of Prof. Kiama circulated among staff and students, stating that the Vice Chancellor had proceeded on leave.
News of the VC’s leave stirred up mixed reactions and raised concerns across sections of the university community.
In response, Prof. Kiama released a statement on Monday April 22 urging all members of staff and students to disregard the earlier communication, stressing his commitment to leading the university to global competitiveness and societal transformation.
“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,”
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“This matter has elicited a lot of publicity and has the potential to lead to apprehension to both members of staff and students. I call upon all members of staff and students to ignore the communication,” read the Statement by Prof. Kiama.
Meanwhile, the UoN Council, chaired by Professor Amukoa Anangwe, announced the decision to send Prof. Kiama on compulsory leave during a meeting held on Friday, April 19.
The council appointed Prof. Ayub Njoroge Gitau, the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, as the acting Vice Chancellor, effective immediately.
Earlier Deveolpment’s on VC Kiama
However, this recent incident echoes a similar event from September 1, 2023, when Prof. Kiama abruptly cut short his leave and resumed his duties earlier than anticipated.
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The unexpected saga unfolded after the UoN Council had approved Prof. Kiama’s request for a six-month leave, starting from August 1, 2023.
However, contrary to expectations, Prof. Kiama returned to his responsibilities well before the scheduled conclusion of his leave period.
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