UoN Leadership Dispute: Acting VC Clings to Office
The University of Nairobi is facing a leadership crisis after Acting Vice Chancellor Julius Ogeng’o refused to resign upon Professor Stephen Kiama’s return from a six-month leave of absence.
On Monday, September 4, Kiama resumed his position as Vice-Chancellor and expected Ogeng’o to vacate his office, but the Acting VC allegedly refused.
The University Academic Staff Union (UASU) asserts that Professor Ogeng’o received instructions from the University of Nairobi’s Council.
The employees’ union is now expressing concern over the leadership disputes, which they claim pose a threat to students at the nation’s largest institution.
“If there are changes in the leadership of the University of Nairobi, that should be communicated by the Governing Council. It is important to note that the council’s word is final,” former UASU Secretary General and UoN Staff, Benjamin Omondi stated.
Omondi noted that Professor Ogeng’o’s orders to remain in place came from the Governing Council of the University of Nairobi.
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“As it is now, we have a council that is gazetted, and that council enjoys the full mandate of providing checks and balances to the lower-level offices.
“We, therefore, do not expect anyone to disregard the council’s decision,” Omondi warned disgruntled parties in the ongoing leadership wrangles.
In addition, the employees’ union warned that no one should attempt to engage in any activities that are likely to interfere with the institution’s planning and execution of educational programs.
“We do not expect any other level to interfere with the routine learning of the students,” the workers’ union stated while addressing the media at the institution.
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UNIVERSITY OF NAIROBI
Prof. Kiama began a six-month leave of absence on August 4, and the university council appointed Prof. Ogeng’o as interim vice chancellor. Prof. Kiama returned from leave on September 4, however.
The university council has not yet decided on the matter, and it is unclear who the legitimate VC is. The UASU noted that the crisis has caused uncertainty and disorientation among university students, faculty, and stakeholders.
UoN Leadership Dispute: Acting VC Clings to Office