The University of Nairobi’s Council has released a joint press statement to address and clarify various false narratives circulating in the media, particularly those aimed at maligning the University of Nairobi Council, including its Chairperson.
The statement was signed by Prof. Amukowa Anangwe, Chairman of the University of Nairobi Council, and members Carren Omwenga and Ahmed Abdullahi.
The key issues being addressed are the false perception that the university’s performance has deteriorated since the current Council took office on May 23, 2023, allegations that the Chair has usurped the functions of the Council and made unilateral management decisions, and claims that the recruitment of the new Vice Chancellor and Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic Affairs, has been unprocedural.
Others are Prof. Elijah Bitange Ndemo’s rejection of the Vice Chancellor position and related changes in senior appointments at the University, and the best way forward to resolve the current standoff and end the blame game surrounding the University’s governance.
The statement addressed the perception that the University of Nairobi’s performance has declined since May 2023. It emphasised that the university’s global and regional rankings have remained impressive, with the institution still holding a premium position in rankings by six prominent international bodies: Centre for World University Rankings (CWUR) 2024, Webometrics, The QS World University Rankings, University Ranking by Academic Performance (URAP), Times Higher Education World University Ranking, and Edu Rank.
The statement added that there is always room for improvement, particularly in research output, academic reputation, and other important metrics.
The Council also noted that persistent governance challenges, exacerbated by ongoing court cases, have hindered transformation efforts. The statement pointed to a specific case, the Court of Appeal Civil (Application) No. E771 of 2021, where the Court of Appeal had put on hold attempts by UASU to reverse governance reforms initiated by the previous Council.
Regarding financial challenges, the University is facing debilitating debts amounting to Kshs. 72 billion, with the University of Nairobi accounting for nearly 30 per cent of the total debt burden of public universities in Kenya. This is due to insufficient government funding, which covers only 32 per cent of the University’s budget.
The Council strongly rejected allegations that the Chairperson has usurped its functions, describing the accusations as “baseless, false, and absurd.” The statement referred to the Chairperson’s role as outlined in the official letter of appointment and the Mwongozo Code of Governance.
The Chairperson’s role includes presiding over Council meetings, ensuring that University policy and governance issues are handled in accordance with the Constitution, the Universities Act, 2012, and Government rules, regulations, and procedures, certifying prudent financial management to give value for money and avoid wastage, and demonstrating and upholding high levels of professionalism, integrity, and ethical conduct.
The statement further outlined several achievements by the current Council, including a change in staff mindsets, clearing a backlog of promotions, reducing ethnic-based recruitment practices, and passing the first-ever University of Nairobi Human Resource Instruments to regulate staff management.
The statement addressed concerns over recruiting the new Vice Chancellor and Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic Affairs, saying the process adhered to legal and procedural requirements.
Under the Universities Act, 2012, the Council is tasked with appointing senior leaders such as the Vice Chancellor, and the Cabinet Secretary’s role is limited to consultation.
“The only role of the Cabinet Secretary in appointments of Vice Chancellor and Deputy Vice Chancellor is to be available for consultation with the Council, but the Council remains the appointing authority,” the statement reads.
The statement also addressed the recent controversy over Prof. Elijah Bitange Ndemo’s rejection of the Vice Chancellor position. The Chairperson clarified that Prof. Ndemo had initially expressed interest in the role and was aware of the ongoing consultative process.
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“Prof Ndemo wrote me a letter requesting the Cabinet Secretary’s concurrence. I informed him of the ongoing consultative process, and he knew what was happening. It is up to him to tell Kenyans what made him change his mind suddenly in the wee hours of the night. But as the Chairperson of the Council, Prof. Ndemo is the duly appointed Vice Chancellor of the University of Nairobi, unless he writes to me formally about his rejection, which he has yet to do,” added the statement.
The statement concluded with a call for all stakeholders to work towards restoring normalcy at the University of Nairobi and to allow the Council to function without hindrance.
“Outside actors meddling in the affairs of the University of Nairobi for selfish interests should stop; The Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Education, should demonstrate leadership by managing the situation in the best interest of the University, and to avoid being captive to vested interests that are perpetuating impunity and in utter disregard for the rule of law, procedures, and university policies; The Council should be left to function without hindrance, intimidation, and unlawful interference,” the statement pointed out.
The Chairperson also urged that if the current Council must leave prematurely, it should do so orderly, with a clear agenda to sustain reforms and raise the University to global standards.
Communication
On March 28, Professor Amukowa requested permission from CS Ogamba to hold and conduct a special meeting of the Council on April 2 at the University Towers.
Later, in a letter to Ogamba, on May 2, University of Nairobi Council Chair Prof Anangwe seeks consultations on the appointment of a VC and DVC for Academic Affairs. He outlines the legal framework for the appointments, emphasises adherence to merit lists, and proposes the appointments of Prof. Elijah Ndemo and Prof. Francis Mulaa, subject to ratification by the Council.
CS Ogamba responds to Anangwe’s letter regarding the proposed appointments of Prof Ndemo as VC and Prof Mulaa as Deputy Vice-Chancellor at UoN.
CS acknowledges the competitive recruitment process but notes missing documents, including letters from the Public Service Commission and the Council resolution. Without these, no decision can be made. The acting officials will remain in position until consultation is completed.
Prof Amukowa responds to CS Ogamba, confirming that all necessary documents on Prof. Ndemo’s appointment as VC and Prof Mulaa’s appointment as DVC were delivered.
He cites Council authority granted during its 145th meeting and references a court ruling clarifying the consultation process. Before receiving the CS’s letter, he had already appointed Prof. Mulaa as Acting VC and instructed Prof. Hutchinson to return to her previous DVC role.
These letters were copied to the Head of Public Service, Felix Koskei, and the Principal Secretary for Higher Education, Beatrice Inyangala.
By Joseph Mambili
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