University of Nairobi picks Prof. Margaret Hutchinson after Kiama's exit

The University of Nairobi on Monday announced that it has chosen Prof. Margaret Hutchinson to take over the leadership of the institution as Acting Vice Chancellor to replace the embattled Prof. Peter Kiama who has been sent on compulsory leave.

The University said on Monday that the takeover was seen by the institution's Council.

"The Council of the University of Nairobi led by its Chair Prof. Amukowa Anangwe today witnessed the taking over of office by the Ag Vice Chancellor Margret Hutchinson. Hutchinson was appointed to the position of Ag VC on Friday, August 2, 2024, following the suspension of Stephen Kiama Gitahi," the University said.

The new Acting Vice Chancellor is a seasoned Horticulturalist and Senior Lecturer at the university with over 30 years of experience in the agriculture sector.

At the same time, the institution also through its Council announced changes in the management of the institution.

Ayub Gitau, former Dean Faculty of Engineering has been appointed as Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs. Francis Mulaa, Former Associate Dean Faculty of Science and Technology will be the acting Deputy Vice Chancellor, of Research Innovation and Enterprise.

Kiama was appointed VC in 2020, taking over from Peter Mbithi. He was appointed to serve for five years, until 2025.

The replacement of Kiama comes at a time when the university is embroiled in leadership disputes over the operation of the country's premier university.

The University has recently been plagued by leadership conflicts between the Council and Kiama.

Kiama was suspended for three months with immediate effect last Monday, igniting yet another spat with the university's troubled president.

"During the council meeting on Friday, August 2, 2024, we resolved to suspend Vice-Chancellor Professor Stephen Kiama for three months, pending ongoing investigations into his conduct, including allegations of misconduct and insubordination. The council also decided to undertake disciplinary action on issues of insubordination and gross misconduct. While Professor Kiama is on suspension, all staff and students are instructed not to engage with him on official university matters," said Prof Amukowa Anangwe, the varsity's council chairman.

Prof Anangwe insisted that Prof Kiama had failed to take a 60-day leave as had been demanded by the council, and any further delay "could lead to complications and undermine the integrity of the leave management system."

"It should be noted that this matter is being handled differently, previously he had been granted a 60-day leave. However, he refused to take it. According to his contract, he should not accrue more than 90 leave days throughout the contract, but he has exceeded this limit. So he should note that this is different," said Prof Anagwe.

The university council chairman revealed that the body's agenda also included reviewing Prof Kiama's request for a second term, which was submitted on July 4, 2024.