Management crisis, internal wrangles at University of Nairobi trigger Senate probe

Senators have launched a probe into the ongoing management issues at the University of Nairobi, following the dismissal of former vice-chancellor, Prof Stephen Kiama, in October.

The university has been embroiled in internal wrangles, particularly regarding the administration's handling of staff matters and governance.

In a letter dated October 14, 2024, the chairperson of the university's governing council, Prof Amukowa Anangwe, announced the termination of Prof Kiama's services effective September 27, following a suspension on August 3, 2024. He explained that the suspension came after investigations into Kiama’s alleged misconduct and insubordination.

"The council terminated Kiama’s services following the suspension and ongoing investigations into his conduct," Anangwe said in the letter.

However, the Senate Education Committee has announced that it will conduct an inquiry into the allegations of mismanagement, including misuse of resources, irregular staff recruitment, arbitrary transfers, and the creation of non-existent posts.

Meru Senator Kathuri Murungi raised the alarm over claims that Prof Anangwe was effectively taking over the duties of the vice-chancellor in the daily operations of the institution.

Murungi also accused the council of developing a human resources manual without consulting key stakeholders such as the Public Service Commission, the Ministry of Education, and the University Academic Staff Union (Uasu).

Fake academic credentials

The Senate investigation also seeks clarification on the recruitment and promotion of Brian Ouma, the acting Chief Operations Officer (COO) at the university.

Senator Murungi expressed concern over Ouma's employment, particularly in light of an Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) investigation which found that he had allegedly used fake academic credentials to secure his position.

He further questioned why Ouma’s contract was renewed despite the position being deemed illegal by the courts, as it does not exist within the university’s charter or statutes.

“The committee should provide reasons for the inordinate delay by the university council to competitively recruit and substantively fill senior management positions,” Murungi said.

“Positions like the vice-chancellor, deputy vice-chancellors, and others remain vacant, which is contributing to the governance crisis.”

Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka said the inquiry should include a detailed explanation of Prof Kiama’s suspension and dismissal.

“The committee should table a comprehensive report of the investigations into his conduct, including allegations of misconduct, insubordination, and the disciplinary actions taken by the university or any other body,” Onyonka said.

Senator Onyonka also called for an investigation into the status of the university’s assets, particularly its land and properties, citing concerns that private individuals could be involved in the illegal transfer of university land to developers.

“Many private individuals, who are unscrupulous, have just been transferring acres and acres of land owned by these universities,” he said.

Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot echoed these concerns, urging the committee to act swiftly.

Find out the facts

“The allegations against Prof Anangwe are serious, and the committee should find out the facts quickly. It will be extremely unfortunate if the Senate of this country just watches idly as such a great institution goes down,” Cheruiyot said.

In response to the allegations, Prof Anangwe denied overstepping his authority. He explained that the university’s governing council derives its mandate from the University Act, 2012, and the University Charter, 2013.

According to these legal instruments, the council is responsible for hiring staff and making policies, with the chairperson authorised to communicate decisions on behalf of the council.

“We have gone beyond the law, and if anybody alleges the contrary, the onus is upon them to provide evidence. Those making these assertions are ignorant of how the council operates,” Anangwe said.

The university has been facing governance challenges, particularly a succession battle for the vice-chancellor’s position.

In April 2024, the council attempted to place Prof Kiama on compulsory leave, but he remained in office after the intervention of influential government figures. A month later, the council sent him on leave, only for him to defy the order and continue in his role.