Home / Education

Confusion rocks UoN as VC Kiama dismisses compulsory leave letter

University of Nairobi Vice-Chancellor Prof Stephen Kiama. (Photo: UoN)

By Lucy Mumbi | 22 Apr 2024

In response to the letter on Monday, Prof Kiama dismissed the letter, urging all members of staff and students to disregard the communication entirely.

Confusion has rocked the University of Nairobi following a communication stating that Vice-Chancellor Prof Stephen Kiama was sent on compulsory leave by the University Council.

The letter dated April 19, 2024, by Director of Corporate Affairs John Orindi, noted that the University's Council had on Friday resolved to send the VC on leave effective April 19, 2024.

Keep reading

The resolutions were made by the Council during its 144th meeting held on Friday, last week.

However, in response to the letter on Monday, Prof Kiama dismissed the letter, urging all members of staff and students to disregard the communication entirely.

Kiama noted that the matter has elicited a lot of publicity and has the potential to lead to apprehension among 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, 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,” reads the letter.

Emphasising the need for clarity and unity, Kiama called upon the university community to recommit themselves to advancing the institution towards its goal of becoming a globally competitive university that contributes significantly 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 university transforming society,” he said.

Acting VC appointment

In Kiama’s absence, the Council appointed the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering Prof. Ayub Gitau to act as the Vice-Chancellor with effect from April 19, 2024.

“The University fraternity is called upon to support Prof. Ayub Njoroge Gitau as he discharges his new responsibilities as the Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nairobi,” Orindi said.

The university has in the past experienced ongoing leadership challenges, marked by frequent changes in its top administration.

This is not the first time Prof Kiama has dismissed his leave following the Council resolution.

On September 1, 2023, he unexpectedly ended his leave early and resumed duties after the Council approved his six-month leave request starting from August 1, 2023.

He however declared himself "well-rested and rejuvenated" on social media platform X.

The Council later on responded with a letter dated September 22, instructing him to continue his leave as previously scheduled, emphasising that his early return was unprocedural and not approved by the Council.