Education CS Ogamba Announces New Appointments of various university councils

Education CS Ogamba Announces New Appointments of various university councils.

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has made new appointments to various university councils and national bodies, as detailed in a gazette notice released on Friday, April 11. Among the appointees is Sally Toroitich, who was named a member of the University of Embu Council. Her term will span one year and two months, beginning on April 11 this year and ending on May 22, 2026.

Two other individuals have also been appointed to university councils. Parmain ole Narikae will serve as a council member at the University of Eldoret, while Carren Kerubo has been selected to join the Karatina University Council. Both appointments are effective from April 11 this year and will run until May 22 next year.

In addition to the university council positions, the Education CS named Asteri Angolo as a member of the National Biosafety Authority. This appointment is scheduled to last for a period of three years, commencing on April 11, 2025.

On April 11, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba revoked the appointments of four University of Nairobi Council members—Sally Ngeringwony Toroitich, Ahmed Sheikh Abdullahi, Dr. Parmain Ole Narikae, and Carren Kerubo Omwenga. This action was announced through a gazette notice citing the authority granted under section 36 (1)(d) of the Universities Act, 2012, along with section 51 (1) of the Interpretation and General Provisions Act. The revocation took effect immediately.

Despite their removal, the four council members were reassigned to various other universities across Kenya. Sally Toroitich was designated to serve on the council of the University of Embu. Ahmed Abdullahi was selected to join the council of Mama Ngina University Training College. Similarly, Dr. Parmain Ole Narikae was moved to the University of Eldoret council, and Carren Kerubo Omwenga was assigned to the Karatina University council. Each will hold their new positions from April 11, 2025, to May 22, 2026.

The University of Nairobi has been embroiled in persistent leadership disputes involving its management and governing council. These internal clashes led to the removal of former Vice-Chancellor Stephen Kiama after a tenure marred by turbulence. In response, the Public Service Commission (PSC) has shortlisted five candidates to succeed him: Prof. Bitange Ndemo, Prof. James Njiru, Prof. Duke Orata, Prof. Ayub Njoroge Gitau, and Prof. Francis Jackim Mulaa.

Council Chairperson Dismissed Amid Pressure

Earlier, on February 21, CS Ogamba dismissed Prof. Amukowa Anangwe from his role as Council Chairperson at the university. This decision followed increasing demands from both the Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) and the National Assembly’s Education Committee. The complaints focused on Prof. Anangwe’s alleged mismanagement, governance disputes, and inappropriate interference with university staff and operations.

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The revocation notice was issued under section 36 (1)(a) of the Universities Act, 2012, alongside section 51 (1) of the Interpretation and General Provisions Act. His ousting was largely driven by allegations of power overreach, including extending contracts without approval and creating the disputed Chief Operations Officer position. UASU had threatened demonstrations unless he was removed within seven days, arguing that his actions undermined the vice-chancellor’s authority and disrupted institutional governance.

The ongoing restructuring of the University of Nairobi’s leadership by CS Ogamba appears aimed at restoring order and effective governance. The reassignment of council members and the search for a new vice-chancellor signal an urgent effort to resolve the long-standing conflicts that have hindered the university’s operations.

Education CS Ogamba Announces New Appointments of various university councils.

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