MPs question UoN's decision to terminate Prof Stephen Kiama's tenure as VC

A section of Members of Parliament has called for the reinstatement of Professor Stephen Kiama as Vice Chancellor of the University of Nairobi, arguing that he was ejected from office before his term was over.

Kiama was dismissed by the University Council, led by Prof. Amukowa Anangwe, on September 27, 2024, without specifying the reasons for his termination.

Anangwe claimed that the reasons for Kiama's termination were promptly communicated to him.

However, during a press conference at Parliament on Wednesday, Mukurweini MP John Kagucia and Geoffrey Wandeto of Tetu openly challenged the council's decision, raising concerns about its legality and the implications it has for the university.

The MPs emphasised the importance of allowing Kiama to complete his term, which is set to expire on January 5, 2025.

“This is not only illegal but a mockery of the Employment Act, the Kenyan Constitution, and the fair administration of justice,” the MPs said.

They pointed out that the University Act of 2012 stipulates that a Vice Chancellor holds office for five years and may be eligible for an additional five-year term.

The MPs highlighted that Kiama had formally requested a renewal of his tenure on July 4, 2024.

“This is clearly a witch hunt and begs the question: Are there things the university council is planning and hell-bent on implementing in which the good professor is not keen?” they posed.

They also raised concerns about whether Kiama's removal is linked to possible attempts by unidentified individuals to take control of the university’s assets, asking, "What’s the agenda with the university's assets, particularly its land and proposed long-term leases for prime university property?"

The MPs expressed their disbelief at the timing of Kiama's termination and called for clarification from Higher Education Principal Secretary Beatrice Iyangala.

“Why terminate him just about four months before he renews his term? Why conduct a sham process that cannot meet the threshold for a proper disciplinary process?” they posed.

Additionally, they criticised the council's decision to terminate Kiama not only as Vice Chancellor but also as a university professor, highlighting that his role as professor is governed by a separate contract.

The MPs argued that Kiama has consistently excelled in performance reviews conducted by previous university councils, under the oversight of the State Corporations Advisory Committee.

“The 2023-24 evaluation was scheduled to take place before September 30. Instead of carrying out the evaluation, they chose to sack him unfairly, claiming he was uncooperative,” the MPs said.