The Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) – University of Nairobi Chapter has dragged the Cabinet Secretary for Education, Ezekiel Machogu into the institution’s leadership woes.
In a press statement released on May 28, UASU questioned why the ministry of education was silent despite the ongoing leadership wrangles at the institution.
“Where is the voice of the Ministry of Education? Where is the President, Vice President, Speakers of both National Parliaments, and the many legislators in Government who are all Alumni of the University?” UASU posed.
“The University of Nairobi is a strategic National Institution, and it behooves those at the helm to take charge.”
According to UASU, the cabinet secretary did not have the powers to reconstitute university councils.
“In a ruling by Justice Ngaah on 16th March 2024, the good Judge agreed with UASU that the Cabinet Secretary, MoE, did NOT have powers to reconstitute any University Council once appointed and gazette,” the press statement reads in part.
The statement signed by the chapter secretary Dr. Maloba Wekesa noted that the University Council has been subject to political appointment.
“UASU- UoN has been in office just about three years. In that time, we have had three University Councils, two University Chancellors and one Vice-Chancellor. Whereas the University Chancellor & Vice Chancellor have enjoyed tenures of office, the University Council has been subject to political appointment,” UASU stated.
UASU further demanded an immediate moratorium on any escalation of hostilities and the members’ welfare to be put at the forefront of decisions at the University.
In May 2023, CS Ezekiel Machogu appointed university councils for 14 institutions. Among the top names appointed were Veteran politician Prof Amukowa Anangwe appointed to chair University of Nairobi Council.
UASU on UoN Leadership Dispute
Furthermore, the union noted that the recent squabbles at the helm of UoN leadership have brought shame to the most prestigious Institution of Higher Learning in Kenya, Africa, and the World.
UASU affirmed the university’s commitment to stand by the truth, justice, and by the motto of the University: “Unitate et labore (Unity & Work).
“University of Nairobi has been in the news, and NOT for reasons academic, but apparent squabbles at the helm of its leadership. These wrangles have been shameful and disruptive and keep bringing disrepute to the most prestigious Institution of Higher Learning in Kenya, Africa, and the World,” the statement further reads.
Therefore, the union has called for negotiations for the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and reinstatement of internal promotions to bring back stability and trust to the institution.
Maloba Wekesa further highlighted the damaging effects of the disputes at the university’s standing and functionality.
Also Read: UoN VC Standoff: New Twist as Council Clarifies Prof Kiama’s Leave
“Whereas UASU does NOT wish to escalate the already ongoing internecine wrangles, it is our right as a social partner at the University that we call to order all wrangling parties. It is not in the interest of our members that incessant squabbles dominate national headlines,” she noted.
UoN Council on Prof Kiama Leave Issue
The University Council and earlier this month issued a statement that Professor Ayub Njoroge Gitau shall continue to serve as the acting Vice Chancellor, as Prof. Stephen Kiama proceeded on leave.
Also Read: University of Nairobi Students Protest VC Kiama Compulsory Leave
“Professor Ayub Njoroge Gitau shall continue to serve as the Acting Vice Chancellor, with the full authority of the Council in order to carry out the responsibilities entrusted to the position,” noted the council.
In a statement on May 22, the council expressed concern over what they termed as continued harassment intimidation and misuse of staff and resources by unauthorized persons, despite its earlier pronouncement on Vice Chancellor’s leave issue.
“The council wishes to inform the university community and all the concerned persons that the decision made on the 19th of April 2024, granting Professor Stephen Kiama Gitahi leave with immediate effect, remains in force,” reads part of the UON Council’s statement.
Vice Chancellor Stephen Kiama Leave Troubles
Prof. Stephen Kiama’s woes started back on September 1, 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.
Shortly after the VC was sent on compulsory leave back on 19th April 2024, Prof. Ayub Njoroge was appointed as the acting Vice Chancellor.
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