Kenya Insights

Tag: University Of Nairobi (UON)

  • University of Nairobi Named Kenya’s Top Institution in Latest QS World University Rankings

    University of Nairobi Named Kenya’s Top Institution in Latest QS World University Rankings

    The University of Nairobi has emerged as the highest ranked university in Kenya in the newly released QS World University Rankings for Sub-Saharan Africa, reinforcing its status as the country’s flagship public institution amid intensifying regional competition.

    In the inaugural Sub-Saharan Africa edition published by UK based education analytics firm Quacquarelli Symonds, the University of Nairobi posted an overall score of 62.9, placing 17th continentally out of nearly 70 universities drawn from 21 countries. It is the only Kenyan institution to break into the continental top 20.

    The rankings assess universities across eight performance indicators tailored to the African higher education context. These include academic reputation, employer reputation, research output measured through citations per paper and papers per faculty, international research networks, sustainability performance, faculty student ratio and web impact.

    UoN delivered its strongest performance in web impact, scoring 91.4 and ranking sixth across Africa, an indicator that measures digital visibility and online academic engagement. The university also recorded a strong sustainability score of 79.1, reflecting institutional alignment with environmental and social governance benchmarks including the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

    Crucially, the institution placed 15th in employer reputation across Africa with a score of 54.6, making it the only Kenyan university to feature in the continental top 20 for graduate employability and employer perception. This metric evaluates how employers rate graduates from an institution and is increasingly used as a proxy for workforce readiness and industry relevance.

    Other Kenyan universities featured in the ranking but trailed behind. Kenyatta University ranked 25th overall with strong academic and employer reputation scores. Moi University placed 32nd, while Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology came in at position 33. Egerton University ranked 41st, and Machakos University was listed in the 51 plus band.

    Notably, Machakos University recorded Kenya’s strongest performance in citations per paper with a score of 86.4, ranking seventh in Africa on research impact per publication. The metric captures how frequently academic work from an institution is cited by other researchers and is often viewed as a measure of research influence rather than volume.

    The broader continental picture shows continued dominance by South African institutions. University of Cape Town took the top spot overall, with South Africa claiming 14 of the top 20 positions. Nigeria placed multiple institutions in the ranking, while Ghana and Ethiopia also registered strong representation. In East Africa, Makerere University ranked 16th, placing ahead of UoN by one position.

    The release of the Sub-Saharan Africa table comes at a time when global rankings have increasingly influenced funding decisions, student mobility patterns and institutional branding strategies. Kenyan universities have faced sustained fiscal pressure, faculty strikes and declining research funding over the past decade, raising questions about competitiveness in global knowledge production.

    UoN’s performance therefore carries symbolic weight. The institution has previously featured in the global QS rankings but often outside the top 1000 bracket. Its latest regional performance suggests relative resilience within the African context, even as structural challenges persist domestically.

    Higher education analysts caution that rankings reflect methodological weightings as much as institutional quality. Indicators such as reputation surveys can favor historically established universities with broader international networks, while research citation metrics may privilege disciplines with higher publication density.

    Even so, the University of Nairobi’s position at the top of Kenya’s university hierarchy in the QS Sub-Saharan Africa ranking is likely to strengthen its appeal to prospective students, international collaborators and development partners seeking credible academic anchors in the region.

  • Court Clears Prof. Amukowa Anangwe of All Charges

    Court Clears Prof. Amukowa Anangwe of All Charges

    Former University of Nairobi Council Chairman vindicated after months-long legal battle

    Former University of Nairobi (UoN) Council Chairperson Prof. Amukowa Anangwe has been cleared of all corruption-related charges that led to his dramatic arrest in May, marking the end of a tumultuous chapter that rocked Kenya’s premier institution of higher learning.

    Prof. Anangwe’s lawyer, Peter Wanyama, confirmed on Saturday that his client had been vindicated after what he described as “trumped-up charges” orchestrated by senior government officials seeking to remove the academic from his position.

    “A couple of months ago, some senior government officials wanted Prof. Amukowa Anangwe out as Chair of the University of Nairobi. They pushed EACC to file trumped-up charges against him,” Wanyama stated. “He was humiliated during his arrest and taken to the Anti-Corruption Court. Today, I am glad to report that the learned professor has been cleared and vindicated.”

    The Dramatic Arrest

    The saga began on May 16, 2025, when Prof. Anangwe was arrested at Kisumu International Airport in the early morning hours and flown to Nairobi. The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) detained him alongside three other senior university officials over allegations of irregular appointment of Daniel Brian Ouma Okeyo as Acting Chief Operations Officer.

    The other council members arrested alongside Prof. Anangwe included Daniel Brian Ouma, Dr. Ahmed Sheikh Abdullahi, and Carren Kerubo Omwenga. Prof. Anangwe was released on a cash bail of Sh500,000, while the case proceeded through the anti-corruption court system.

    Leadership Crisis at UoN

    The arrests came amid a prolonged leadership crisis at the University of Nairobi that had paralyzed operations at the institution. The controversy centered on Prof. Anangwe’s decision to appoint Prof. Francis Mulaa as both the substantive Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic Affairs) and acting Vice-Chancellor—appointments the Ministry of Education said contravened the Universities Act, 2012.

    The Ministry of Education, through Principal Secretary Dr. Beatrice Inyangala, had strongly opposed these appointments, stating they were made without proper consultation with the Cabinet Secretary and without following due process. The ministry accused Prof. Anangwe of overstepping his mandate and making unilateral decisions that violated university governance protocols.

    Political Pressure and Resignation

    The pressure on Prof. Anangwe intensified beyond the corruption charges. In February 2025, the Cabinet Secretary for Education had moved to revoke his appointment as Council Chairperson, though the High Court initially blocked this removal, with Justice Bahati Mwamuye ordering Anangwe back to office.

    However, the combined weight of criminal charges and political pressure eventually proved overwhelming. Prof. Anangwe and other council members resigned in May 2025, with sources indicating they “didn’t have an option but to resign.”

    A crucial meeting on May 22, 2025, between University of Nairobi Professors’ Association representatives and Head of Public Service Felix Koskei appears to have been the decisive moment that sealed Anangwe’s fate, suggesting high-level government involvement in the pressure campaign.

    Vindication and Questions

    Prof. Anangwe’s clearing of all charges raises serious questions about the motivations behind his prosecution and the broader governance challenges facing Kenya’s public universities. His legal team’s assertion that the charges were “trumped-up” to facilitate his removal suggests the case may have been politically motivated rather than based on genuine corruption concerns.

    The University of Nairobi, once considered Kenya’s flagship institution of higher learning, has been embroiled in various governance controversies in recent years. The ongoing disputes have threatened to paralyze learning at the university, affecting thousands of students and the institution’s academic reputation.

    With Prof. Anangwe now cleared of all charges, attention turns to the broader reforms needed in university governance to prevent similar crises. The case highlights the delicate balance between institutional autonomy and government oversight in Kenya’s higher education sector.

    The vindication also underscores the importance of due process and the need for corruption-fighting agencies to ensure their actions are based on solid evidence rather than political expediency. As Kenya continues to grapple with corruption in public institutions, the Prof. Anangwe case serves as a reminder that the fight against graft must be conducted fairly and transparently.

    The University of Nairobi, meanwhile, continues to operate under new leadership as it works to restore stability and focus on its core mandate of providing quality higher education to Kenyan students.

     

     

     

  • Why Newly Appointed UoN’s VC Bitange Ndemo Will Not Be Occupying The Office Immediately

    Why Newly Appointed UoN’s VC Bitange Ndemo Will Not Be Occupying The Office Immediately

    The University of Nairobi (UoN) Council has appointed Prof. Francis Mulaa, the newly named Deputy Vice Chancellor (DVC) in charge of Academic Affairs, as the Acting Vice Chancellor, effective May 5, 2025.

    This comes ahead of the formal assumption of office by the substantive Vice Chancellor, Prof. Bitange Ndemo, who is currently concluding his diplomatic tenure as Kenya’s Ambassador to Belgium.

    According to an official memo signed by Prof. Amukowa Anangwe, Chair of the University Council, Prof. Mulaa will serve in the acting capacity for a period of six months or until Prof. Ndemo formally takes office.

    “This is in exercise of the Council authority granted to the undersigned as per the resolution under Minute No. 17 (ii) and (iii) of the 145th meeting of the Council,” the memo dated May 5 reads in part.

    The decision seeks to prevent a potential leadership vacuum following the end of Prof. Margaret Hutchinson’s term as Acting Vice Chancellor.

    Prof. Ndemo, a former ICT Permanent Secretary and accomplished scholar, will return to the country upon completion of his diplomatic duties in Brussels.

    The memo states that Prof. Mulaa’s acting term shall cease on the date Prof. Ndemo officially assumes the Vice Chancellor’s role.

    In the interim, the Council mandated Prof. Mulaa to execute the responsibilities and authority of the Vice Chancellor in accordance with the Universities Act, 2012, the University of Nairobi Charter, 2013, and applicable government policies and circulars.

    The Council had named Prof. Mulaa, a distinguished academic in the Faculty of Science and Technology, DVC Academic Affairs in a letter preceding his assignment as Acting Vice Chancellor.

  • Former ICT PS Bitange Ndemo Tapped To Lead University of Nairobi

    Former ICT PS Bitange Ndemo Tapped To Lead University of Nairobi

    Top performance in recruitment process positions former PS as frontrunner for leadership role

    Prof. Elijah Bitange Ndemo, former ICT Permanent Secretary and distinguished academic, is strongly positioned to become the next Vice Chancellor of the University of Nairobi following his exceptional performance in the recently concluded recruitment process.

    According to University Council documents seen by Kenya Insights, Prof. Ndemo emerged as the clear frontrunner for the prestigious position, scoring an impressive 84 percent in the Public Service Commission’s rigorous selection process.

    This commanding lead—11 percentage points ahead of his closest competitor, Prof. Duke Orata who scored 73 percent—significantly strengthens his candidacy for the top leadership role at Kenya’s premier institution of higher learning.

    WHY NDEMO STANDS OUT

    Prof. Ndemo’s potential appointment would bring valuable leadership experience and academic credentials to the university at a critical time.

    As a former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology, Ndemo has demonstrated administrative capabilities at the highest levels of government, potentially bringing both public sector expertise and academic understanding to the role.

    His strong showing in the PSC recruitment process suggests the selection panel recognized these qualifications, placing him well ahead of other candidates including Prof. Francis Jackim Mulaa, who received a score of 66.7 percent.

    In a letter dated May 2, 2025, University Council Chairperson Prof. Amukowa Anangwe highlighted the urgency of finalizing the appointment, stating that it is “imperative to restore stability and continuity in the leadership of the University.”

    PENDING CONFIRMATION

    While Prof. Anangwe has called on Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba to finalize the appointment process, official confirmation remains pending.

    The letter from the Council Chairperson indicates Prof. Ndemo would begin serving “with effect from 2nd May, 2025, subject to ratification by the Council.”

    The appointment process occurs against a backdrop of leadership challenges at the institution, including the earlier removal of former VC Prof. Stephen Kiama and ongoing tensions between the University Council and the Ministry of Education.

    Should the appointment proceed as indicated by the university council, Prof. Ndemo would take over from acting Vice Chancellor Prof. Margaret Jesang Hutchinson, who would return to her substantive role within the university.

    The pending appointment comes at a pivotal moment for the institution, which has been navigating leadership uncertainties for nearly two years.

    Prof. Ndemo’s extensive experience, both in academia and public service, positions him as a potentially stabilizing figure who could chart a new course for the university if his appointment is formalized.

    Education stakeholders now await the final confirmation from the Education Ministry to see whether Prof. Ndemo will indeed assume the leadership mantle at one of Africa’s most respected universities.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

  • Inside The Scandals Threatening To Paralyze UoN

    Inside The Scandals Threatening To Paralyze UoN

    The hallowed halls of Kenya’s premier institution of higher learning are now corridors of controversy.

    The University of Nairobi, once the pride of the nation’s education system, stands on the precipice of institutional paralysis amid a perfect storm of corruption allegations, leadership wrangles, and governance failures.

    Raid and Allegations: EACC Closes In

    On Thursday, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) executed a dramatic search operation at the home and office of Brian Ouma, the acting Chief Operations Officer and Director of University Advancement and Institutional Development.

    The raid marks an escalation in the Commission’s investigation into “high-value scandals” that have engulfed the institution.

    “The search has yielded significant evidential material,” the EACC stated, confirming that Ouma was escorted to their offices to record a statement regarding alleged unexplained personal benefits totaling Sh12 million received between 2019 and 2024.

    An EACC insider, speaking to the media revealed: “We’re looking at transactions that lack any supporting documentation to justify the payments. This is just the tip of the iceberg.”

    Council Under Siege

    The day before the raid, the entire University Council was summoned to appear before the EACC.

    Acting Vice-Chancellor Prof. Margaret Hutchinson promptly notified Council Chair Prof. Amukowa Anangwe of the summons, but the Council requested a two-week extension, citing “fair administrative practice.”

    This request effectively meant the Council failed to appear at Integrity Centre as directed.

    Council members facing investigation include:
    – Prof. Amukowa Anangwe (Chair)
    – Prof. Margaret Hutchinson (Acting VC)
    – Dr. Parmain ole-Narikae
    – Dr. Kenrick Ayot
    – Joel Kibe
    – Carren Omwenga
    – Ahmed Sheikh Abdullahi

    They are under scrutiny for allegedly receiving irregular personal payments from university funds.

    Land Scandals and Vanishing Millions

    University of Nairobi main campus.
    University of Nairobi main campus.

    Beyond personal enrichment allegations, the EACC is investigating potentially devastating institutional fraud involving university lands and construction projects.

    Multiple university-owned properties across Nairobi and beyond are allegedly being illegally acquired or leased to private individuals, including:

    – 10 acres at Kanyariri Farm
    – 40 acres behind ANP hostels in Loresho
    – 100 acres at Kibwezi Field Station
    – 20 acres leased to Shamba Cafe Hotel in Loresho Ridge
    – Six acres adjacent to Dusit Hotel
    – A parcel in Spring Valley near a shopping center

    Perhaps most alarming is the stalled Engineering and Science Complex project.

    The EACC alleges that over Sh100 million was spent “largely on allowances and feasibility studies, with no tangible work on site,” pointing to procurement irregularities and possible embezzlement.

    In another financial scandal, the Faculty of Business and Management Sciences is under investigation for unexplained payments totaling Sh76 million to external service providers and staff allowances over a four-year period.

    Leadership Vacuum and Power Struggles

    The governance crisis at UoN is exacerbated by the absence of a substantive Vice-Chancellor.

    Though the Public Service Commission conducted interviews for the position last month, the Council has yet to make an appointment.

    This leadership vacuum has created fertile ground for factional battles.

    Prof. Hutchinson advised against a Council meeting scheduled for yesterday, citing the ongoing EACC investigations.

    Meanwhile, Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) officials threatened to disrupt the meeting, demonstrating the deepening internal divisions.

    Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has intervened twice to revoke Council appointments, only to be thwarted by court orders granting temporary relief to the current Council.

    The CS has also denied the Council’s request to hold special meetings, citing the Auditor-General’s report which flagged irregular meetings exceeding the number allowed in the university charter.

    “The Worst Apathy Ever Witnessed”

    UASU has now called for the Directorate of Criminal Investigations to join the probe, with Chapter Secretary Dr. Maloba Wekesa delivering a scathing indictment of the Council’s “overreach.”

    “These include bizarre and irregular direct operational involvement in staff transfers, vindictive suspensions, and patronage-driven contract extensions,” Dr. Wekesa charged.

    “This overreach has disregarded the established separation of powers between the Council and the accounting officer — the vice-chancellor.”

    The result, according to the union, is “the worst apathy in staff motivation ever witnessed at the University of Nairobi.”

    As investigations intensify and leadership battles continue, the University of Nairobi faces its gravest crisis in decades.

    The intertwined scandals threaten not just the institution’s finances and governance but its very credibility as Kenya’s flagship university.

    With the EACC demanding original payment documents, meeting minutes, and attendance registers dating back to 2022, and both the Education Ministry and UASU applying pressure from different angles, the coming weeks will be critical for the institution’s future.

    For now, Kenya’s premier university remains caught between corruption allegations, administrative paralysis, and turf wars that threaten to tear apart what was once the crown jewel of the nation’s education system.

  • Shock As UON Student Found Dead at Campus Swimming Pool

    Shock As UON Student Found Dead at Campus Swimming Pool

    In a tragic incident that has left the University of Nairobi community reeling, a student was discovered deceased at the university’s main campus swimming pool early Tuesday morning.

    The body of a third-year Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery student was found in the early hours of April 22, 2025, according to a statement released by the University of Nairobi Student Association (UNSA).

    While authorities are still investigating the circumstances surrounding the death, it’s suspected that Dennis Kamunya died by suicide as he posted farewell notes on his social media pages.

    Prior to the incident, the student had shared reflective thoughts on social media that offered a glimpse into their state of mind.

    In one post, they wrote about valuing the opportunity to learn about evolution, stating: “The greatest thing about life was that I got to learn about evolution. I belong to one of the few generations that got to know how and possibly why we are here.”

    In another message, they acknowledged personal struggles but maintained perspective: “Even though anxiety/depression/addiction troubled me, I still count myself lucky,” the student posted on X.

    “The student was a bright and promising individual, known for dedication to studies, warmth, and quiet strength. This passing is a painful loss not only to classmates and lecturers but also to the entire Health Science community,” read part of the UNSA statement.

    University officials confirmed that students are typically only permitted to use the campus swimming facility during afternoon hours, raising questions about access to the pool during early morning hours.

    University of Nairobi main campus.
    University of Nairobi main campus.

    This marks the second such tragedy at the institution in recent months.

    On September 4, a fifth-year medical student at the university was also found deceased in what police described as a suspected suicide.

    According to police reports, that student’s body was discovered with the head covered with nylon paper at the main hall residence, believed to have died on the evening of September 2.

    The recent incident has prompted UNSA to call for increased attention to mental health support on campus. “As a community of future healthcare providers, we must continue to normalize open conversations about mental well-being, checking in on each other, and seeking help when we need it. No one should have to struggle in silence,” stated UNSA’s Joseph Kariuki Njogu.

    Police have launched an investigation into the incident and indicated that the cause of death will be officially determined following a postmortem examination.

    The university has announced that counseling services are being made available to students and staff affected by this loss.

    Mental health experts emphasize the importance of seeking help during difficult times and note that support is available through campus resources and national crisis helplines.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

  • UoN Wrangles: Battle for New VC as Business School Scam Haunts Anangwe

    UoN Wrangles: Battle for New VC as Business School Scam Haunts Anangwe

    The wrangles at UoN are far from over. Several key questions remain unanswered as pressure mounts for a transparent recruitment process. Will Anangwe challenge his removal?

    Who will fill the vacant position? And will the next VC be appointed based on merit, or will money and politics dictate the outcome?

    For now, the university remains on edge, with lecturers, students, and stakeholders waiting for clarity on its leadership.

    What is certain is that UoN’s power struggles are a reflection of deeper governance issues within Kenya’s higher education sector.

    UoN Wrangles

    Power Struggles and Allegations Shake University of Nairobi Leadership

    The University of Nairobi (UoN) is in turmoil as leadership battles intensify over the appointment of a new Vice-Chancellor (VC) and Deputy VC.

    At the center of the storm is the UoN Council Chair, Professor Amukowa Anangwe, who now faces mounting opposition.

    Allegations of mismanagement, corruption, and power struggles have engulfed the institution, forcing the Education Cabinet Secretary, Julius Ogamba, to intervene.

    With high stakes in play, reports indicate that contenders for the top positions are engaging in underhanded tactics, including fundraising efforts to influence appointments.

    Adding to the tension, the Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) UoN chapter has demanded Anangwe’s removal, accusing him of overstepping his authority.

    Meanwhile, political interference has further complicated the saga, dragging Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi into the controversy.

    The unfolding drama highlights deep-seated governance issues at Kenya’s premier university, leaving staff and students uncertain about the institution’s future.

    Leadership Wrangles at UoN

    The fight for control at the University of Nairobi has exposed cracks in its governance.

    At the heart of the crisis is Professor Amukowa Anangwe, a man once seen as a reformist but now facing fierce opposition from lecturers and staff.

    His troubles began when the council, which he chairs, was accused of manipulating the process of appointing the next VC and Deputy VC.

    Insiders claim that some aspirants for the top jobs are raising funds to secure their preferred candidates.

    This has raised concerns about the integrity of the selection process, with fears that merit may take a backseat to political and financial influence.

    The UASU UoN chapter has emerged as a vocal critic, arguing that Anangwe has taken over management roles beyond his mandate, effectively sidelining the acting VC, Professor Matgarer Hutchinson.

    The union’s dissatisfaction escalated when staff threatened to strike if Anangwe remained in office.

    In response, Education CS Julius Ogamba revoked Anangwe’s appointment in a gazette notice dated February 21, 2025. However, the sudden dismissal, which left the chairmanship position vacant, has raised more questions than answers.

    The Role of Politics in the UoN Power Struggle

    The battle at UoN has drawn the attention of powerful political figures, sparking accusations of interference and betrayal. While Ogamba’s decision to remove Anangwe appeared to be a victory for UASU and reformists, it also exposed political rifts within the government.

    Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, a longtime ally of Anangwe, has been criticized for not shielding him from the axe.

    His silence has fueled speculation that he either approved the removal or was unable to prevent it. This has reportedly left his supporters within the university and political circles frustrated.

    The growing involvement of politicians in UoN’s affairs underscores the institution’s significance beyond academics.

    As one of Kenya’s top universities, its leadership appointments often carry political weight, influencing both policy and financial decisions at the national level.

    The UoN Council’s Response and Future Implications

    Following Anangwe’s dismissal, the UoN Council issued a strongly worded statement on February 19, 2025, dismissing allegations of mismanagement.

    The council maintained that the university’s governance structures remain intact and that claims of corruption and irregularities are exaggerated.

    Despite this, critics argue that the council itself is part of the problem. The members, including Chancellor Professor Patrick Verkooijen, acting VC Professor Matgarer Hutchinson, and PS for Higher Education and Research Beatrice Inyangala, have been accused of lacking transparency in key decisions. Other council members include Denrick Ayot (representing the PS National Treasury and Planning), Carren Omwenga, Ahmed Abdullah, Parmain Narikae, and Sally Toroitich.

    With Anangwe out, attention now shifts to who will take over the chairmanship and whether governance reforms will follow.

    If the selection process remains controversial, UoN could face prolonged instability, affecting both academic operations and its reputation.

  • University of Nairobi Council Fires Prof Kiama

    University of Nairobi Council Fires Prof Kiama

    The University of Nairobi Council has announced the termination of Prof. Stephen Kiama’s tenure as vice chancellor.

    In a memo dated October 14 and addressed to the university community, Council Chairman Amukowa Anangwe stated that Kiama ceased to hold the position on September 27, 2024.

    The Council referenced a communiqué issued to the university community on August 2, 2024, which highlighted that Kiama’s services as an employee of the University of Nairobi were officially terminated effective September 27, 2024.

    Anangwe noted that the reasons for Kiama’s termination were promptly communicated to him.

    “The Council wishes to inform the university community that Prof. Stephen Gitahi Kiama’s services as an employee of the University of Nairobi were terminated effective September 27, 2024. Reasons for his termination were promptly communicated to him,” he said.

    He assured the university community that the Council is committed to fulfilling its mandate and upholding the law.

    “The university community should rest assured that whenever called upon, the Council will rise to the occasion and discharge its mandate faithfully and within the beacons of law,” Anangwe said.

    In August, the University Council suspended Kiama for a period of three months, noting that he had failed to meet the requirements for a second term and, therefore, does not qualify to remain in office.

    The Council went ahead and appointed Prof. Margaret Hutchinson as the acting vice-chancellor.

     

    “We reached a resolution that Kiama’s request for a second term was not validly communicated and the contents were not satisfactory. So he did not qualify for a review for the second term. He does not qualify to be considered by the Council. The University of Nairobi, at its meeting today, resolved to suspend the Vice Chancellor,” Anangwe said then, following a meeting with the Council.

    Kiama assumed the position of vice-chancellor at the University of Nairobi on January 5, 2020, succeeding Peter Mbithi, who was placed on compulsory leave. He was appointed for a five-year term that was set to conclude in 2025, as indicated in a letter from the then Council Chair, Julia Ojiambo.

    However, his position in the institution has not been without challenges. Kiama’s woes began in September 2023 when he unexpectedly cut short his sabbatical leave and returned to work ahead of schedule.

    The University of Nairobi Council had previously approved his request for a six-month sabbatical starting August 1, 2023, in accordance with his contract and directives from the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC).

    University of Nairobi Chancellor, Professor Patrick Verkooijen and Prof Stephen Kiama, whose tenure as Vice-Chancellor of the institution was terminated on October 15, 2024.

    During his absence, the Council appointed Julius Ogeng’o to serve as acting vice chancellor.

    Despite being on leave for 23 working days, Kiama returned to his duties on September 1, 2023, earlier than anticipated.

    Upon his return, he dismissed Ogeng’o and proclaimed himself “well-rested and rejuvenated” on the social media platform X.

    On April 19, 2024, during its 144th meeting, the Council placed Kiama on compulsory leave and appointed Prof. Ayub Njoroge Gitau as acting vice chancellor.

    Kiama rejected the notice regarding his leave, labelling it unofficial, and urged both staff and students to disregard it.

    He expressed concern that the situation had garnered significant attention and could create anxiety among the university community.

    “My attention is drawn to a communication circulated to all members of staff and students by Mr. John Orindi on Friday, April 19, 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,” Kiama stated in his letter.

    He further encouraged the university community to focus on their collective goal of enhancing the institution’s global competitiveness and contributing to societal transformation.

    “In the meantime, I call on all of us to recommit to the task ahead of driving the university to a truly globally competitive institution transforming society,” he added.

    Even though the council has terminated Kiama’s position, it has not yet named a new vice chancellor.