Ogamba Fires UoN Council Chair Amukowa Anangwe Amid Lecturer Protests.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has removed Amukowa Anangwe from his role as the Chairperson of the University of Nairobi (UoN) Council, effective February 21, 2025.
This decision comes in response to protests by the Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU), UoN Chapter, which accused Anangwe of mismanagement and fostering a toxic leadership environment.
Additionally, Ogamba dismissed Langat Christopher Andrew from the Commission for University Education (CUE) board in a related development.
The decision was formally communicated through a Gazette Notice issued on February 21. The notice referenced the Cabinet Secretary’s authority under the Universities Act, 2012, and the Interpretation and General Provisions Act, stating that Anangwe’s appointment as Chairperson of the UoN Council had been revoked effective immediately.
Ogamba also confirmed Andrew’s removal from the CUE board but did not announce replacements for either role. Speculation arose regarding the possibility of Andrew being considered for Anangwe’s previous position at UoN.
Anangwe’s dismissal was influenced by growing dissatisfaction among UoN lecturers. On February 19, UASU had issued a seven-day ultimatum, warning of an impending strike if the government failed to act by February 26.
The union accused Anangwe of causing operational disarray and financial difficulties through his interference in university management.
Allegations included irregular job advertisements, the controversial creation of a Chief Operating Officer position—currently under review—and an inability to address chronic underfunding and staffing shortages.
Broader Shake-Up in Public Universities
This move at UoN follows a broader effort by Ogamba to reform leadership in public universities. On January 17, he dismissed the entire Moi University Council due to severe financial mismanagement and operational instability.
The Gazette Notice issued on the same day announced the revocation of appointments for Council Chairman Humphrey Kimani Njuguna and members Clara Samiji Momanyi, Christopher Khaemba, Eusilah Jepkosgei Ngeny, and Susan Amlango Aletia.
This action aligned with President William Ruto’s commitment, made on January 10 during a visit to Uasin Gishu County, to resolve Moi University’s leadership crisis.
Ogamba subsequently appointed Noah Midamba as the new Council Chairman, alongside Ronald Wasike, Mercy Nyambura Kanyara, Edward Sambili, and Anne Waceke Makori as members.
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The newly installed council, which assumed office on January 22, was tasked with addressing multi-billion-shilling debts, stalled academic programs, and staff strikes over unpaid salaries and arrears.
With Anangwe and Andrew removed from their respective roles, questions remain regarding their successors. The government has yet to name replacements, leaving room for speculation about the direction of university governance reforms.
Observers anticipate further shake-ups as Ogamba continues efforts to restore stability and accountability in public institutions of higher learning.
Ogamba Fires UoN Council Chair Amukowa Anangwe Amid Lecturer Protests.
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