Leadership Crisis at UoN: 24 Key Positions Held by Acting Officials

Leadership Crisis at UoN: 24 Key Positions Held by Acting Officials.

The University of Nairobi (UoN) is grappling with a severe leadership crisis, with 24 key managerial positions, including those of Vice-Chancellor (VC), Deputy Vice-Chancellors (DVCs), and directors of critical departments such as Finance and Human Resources, occupied by acting officials.

This state of affairs has left Kenya’s premier university in a prolonged administrative limbo.

The university’s leadership struggles have persisted since governance reforms were introduced in 2021, according to UoN Council Chairman Amukowa Anangwe.

He explained that structural changes implemented by the previous council, including the abolition of certain positions and the creation of new ones, left many roles unfilled.

When the current council assumed office in May 2023, they discovered that some individuals had been in acting roles for over two years, exceeding the six-month legal limit.

Anangwe highlighted that in December 2023, the council resolved to advertise 24 key positions to address this issue. However, court injunctions filed by individuals in acting roles have stalled the recruitment process, further entrenching the problem.

Governance and Operational Challenges

The lack of substantive appointments has significant implications for governance and operations at UoN.

Acting officials often lack the authority to make long-term decisions, hindering strategic initiatives.

For instance, the role of Chief Operations Officer (COO), introduced during the 2021 reforms, is held in an acting capacity by Mr. Brian Ouma.

His appointment has faced scrutiny from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) over concerns about the validity of his academic credentials.

In a statement on December 3, 2024, the UoN Council acknowledged that transitional leadership roles have posed significant challenges to governance and operations.

Despite efforts to fill these positions, legal and procedural hurdles continue to delay progress.

Financial Struggles Compound the Crisis

Financial constraints further exacerbate the leadership woes. The Auditor-General, Nancy Gathungu, has reported that several public universities, including UoN, are struggling to meet financial obligations.

UoN alone has outstanding debts totaling Sh12.8 billion, which impact its financial stability and ability to meet operational needs.

The council has introduced a human resource instrument aligned with Public Service Commission (PSC) guidelines to address court concerns. However, Anangwe lamented that bureaucratic delays in approving the policy have stalled recruitment efforts.

Beyond leadership and financial struggles, the university has faced criticism for arbitrary staff transfers, compulsory leave placements, and the creation of non-existent roles.

Senators addressed these issues on December 9, 2024, calling for urgent investigations into the governance crisis.

The lawmakers accused the university of operating under an illegal structure that contravenes the Universities Act and its statutes.

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Julius Melly, chairman of the National Assembly Education Committee, criticized the UoN Council for failing to address the prolonged acting appointments and broader governance concerns.

He revealed that the Universities Academic Staff Union has challenged the council’s framework in court, citing violations of HR policies and legal statutes.

Impacts on Stakeholders

The ongoing leadership vacuum has far-reaching consequences for students, staff, and the institution’s reputation. Employees, including lecturers, face delayed decisions and lack accountability in the administration.

Experts warn that the reliance on acting officials compromises financial oversight and operational efficiency, further jeopardizing UoN’s strategic programs.

The university council remains committed to resolving the crisis, but legal battles and bureaucratic inertia continue to hinder progress.

Lawmakers have issued a one-week ultimatum for the council to address the governance crisis, underscoring the urgent need for stability at UoN.

As the institution navigates these turbulent times, stakeholders hope for a swift resolution to restore normalcy and focus on academic excellence.

Leadership Crisis at UoN: 24 Key Positions Held by Acting Officials.

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