University of Nairobi (UoN) Fires Vice Chancellor (VC) Stephen Kiama.
The University of Nairobi has removed its embattled Vice Chancellor, Prof. Stephen Gitahi Kiama, after a turbulent four-year tenure.
Kiama’s leadership, set to expire on January 5, 2025, was cut short months before his contract’s conclusion, following a year-long internal struggle.
The dismissal took effect on September 27, with the University Council, led by its chairman, Prof. Amukowa Anangwe, announcing the decision on October 14.
According to the council, the reasons for Kiama’s removal were immediately communicated to him. He had been serving as the university’s eighth Vice-Chancellor since his appointment in January 2020.
In his communication to the university community, Anangwe referred to a previous update from the council dated August 2, 2024. He conveyed that the Council had decided to terminate Kiama’s services effective September 27, 2024.
The council assured the university community that they would fulfill their duties in line with legal requirements and their mandate.
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Kiama’s leadership had been fraught with controversy, marked by disputes over his management style and clashes with the university’s governing council.
In August, the council had suspended him for three months, citing ongoing investigations and the need to stabilize the institution’s leadership. The eventual termination of his contract reflects the severity of these internal conflicts.
Interim Leadership Appointment
Following Kiama’s departure, Prof. Margaret Hutchinson has been appointed as acting Vice Chancellor to guide the institution through the leadership transition.
This development comes after months of uncertainty and disputes, which escalated in September 2023 when Kiama returned from leave and attempted to replace Prof. Julius Ogeng’o, who was temporarily filling in as Vice-Chancellor.
The leadership crisis hit a turning point in April 2024, when the council placed Kiama on compulsory leave and appointed Prof. Ayub Njoroge Gitau as acting Vice-Chancellor.
Kiama challenged this decision, insisting that the directive was unofficial, asserting that he remained the rightful Vice-Chancellor.
His refusal to comply deepened the leadership crisis, and the council reaffirmed the leave order in May, which Kiama again disregarded.
Wider Implications and Protests
The power struggle extended beyond the university, involving government officials who reportedly intervened at times to support Kiama’s continuation in office.
Despite his efforts to secure an extension of his term, insiders suggested that the council was reluctant to renew his contract beyond January 2025.
University students also contributed to the unfolding drama, staging protests and accusing Kiama of mismanagement and failing to address key issues, such as deteriorating infrastructure and poor service delivery.
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These grievances increased the pressure on the council to take decisive action.
The sudden removal of Kiama occurs at a critical juncture for the university, which faces significant financial difficulties and demands for governance reforms.
As the institution transitions under Hutchinson’s interim leadership, attention will be focused on how quickly it can regain stability and rebuild confidence within the university community.
University of Nairobi (UoN) Fires Vice Chancellor (VC) Stephen Kiama.
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