The Public Service Commission (PSC) has declared the University of Nairobi (UoN) Vice-Chancellor (VC) position vacant.
Professor Margaret Hutchinson took over in an acting capacity in October 2024 after the University’s Council terminated Professor Stephen Kiama’s tenure as VC of the institution.
In a notice dated January 21, PSC invited applications for the position alongside that of the Deputy VC (Academic Affairs) in the same university.
“Pursuant to the provisions of Section 35(1)(a) (v) of the Universities Act, 2012 amended through Statute Law (Miscellaneous Amendments) Act No. 18 of 2018, the Public Service Commission invites applications from suitably qualified persons for the following vacant positions in public universities,” reads part of the notice.
PSC also readvertised vacancies for the positions of Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration and Finance) at Kenyatta University and Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration, Finance, Planning and Development) at Tharaka University.
Details of the posts and mode of application can be accessed on the Commission’s website www.publicservice.go.ke.
Applications should reach the Commission on or before February 11, 2025, latest 5.00 pm (East African Time).
University of Nairobi Leadership Wrangles
Kiama was appointed as UoN VC on January 5, 2020, for a five-year term
He took over from Prof. Isaac Mbeche who was serving on an acting capacity.
Shortly after, the late Prof. George Magoha, the then Minister of Education, revoked Kiama’s appointment and dissolved the entire university Council.
Instead, Magoha appointed Mbeche as the acting Vice Chancellor.
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Labor Court would later suspend the revocation of Kiama’s appointment.
Kiama’s woes resurfaced in September 2023, when he abruptly cut short his leave and resumed duties.
UoN Council approved his request for a six-month leave, starting from August 1, 2023, to exhaust his leave.
Kiama then proceeded on leave for 23 working days but returned to work on September 1, 2023, earlier than expected.
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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 compulsory leave and appointed Prof. Ayub Njoroge Gitau as the acting Vice Chancellor.
However, Kiama disregarded the communication regarding his purported leave, terming it as unofficial.
Kiama’s Suspension & Contract Termination
This was followed by a three-month suspension and Hutchinson’s appointment as acting VC in August 2024.
The University Council said Kiama failed to meet requirements to be appointed for a second term.
In October 2024, UoN Council announced the termination Kiama’s tenure as VC.
The Council said Kiama ceased being VC on September 27 with reasons for his termination promptly communicated to him.
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