By Eddah Waithaka
The University of Nairobi (UoN), one of Kenya’s most prestigious institutions of higher learning, is on the brink of collapse, according to the University Academic Staff Union (UASU).
In a press conference held earlier today, UASU issued a rallying call to President William Ruto, the Public Service Commission (PSC), the Ministry of Education, Parliament, and all stakeholders of goodwill to intervene and save the university from what they describe as “a theatre of intrigue, mendacity, and toxic governance.” UASU Secretary-General, Dr. Jane Muthoni, addressed the media, stating, “The University of Nairobi as we know it is dying. This is not a statement meant to incite panic but a cry for help from those who care deeply about this great national institution.”
The union highlighted four critical issues that have plunged the university into chaos, demanding immediate action to avert irreversible damage.
24-Month Transformational Strategy: A Document Shrouded in Illegality
UASU revealed that the university’s Chancellor crafted a 24-month transformational strategy in total isolation from staff and key stakeholders.
The document, which the university council allegedly adopted, proposes radical changes that UASU claims contravene the University Charter and Statutes. Among the contentious proposals is the creation of “Special Purpose Vehicles” to evaluate university assets, including land, raising fears of a potential auction.
The strategy also seeks to alter the composition of the council by introducing “legal and management experts,” a move UASU says violates the university’s legal framework.
Dr. Muthoni criticized the Chancellor’s recent relocation to a high-end house funded by the university, complete with security details, as an unnecessary financial burden on an institution already grappling with dire financial straits.
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“This document is nothing short of thuggery. It is a complete departure from the fiscal fidelity the university desperately needs,” she said. UASU demands the immediate withdrawal of the strategy and the cessation of all actions stemming from it.
Council Chair’s Overreach: A University Run Like a “Kiosk”
UASU accused Prof. Amukowa Anangwe, the Chair of the University Council, of overstepping his mandate and creating a toxic work environment. Prof. Anangwe, whose appointment was previously ruled illegal by the courts, continues to serve pending an appeal.
The union alleges that Prof. Anangwe has assumed the role of a de facto Vice-Chancellor, unilaterally transferring staff, extending contracts, and even interfering in junior staff interviews to skim off allowances.
His pervasive involvement in daily operations has left all senior positions at the university in an “acting” capacity, crippling effective governance. “Prof. Anangwe’s actions are unprecedented in their overreach. If he wants to be Vice-Chancellor, let him apply to the PSC instead of usurping the role,” Dr. Muthoni stated.
UASU has called on Parliament’s Education Committee to censure Prof. Anangwe and the council for running the university “like a kiosk.”
The Illegal Office of the Chief Operations Officer
UASU also raised concerns over the existence of an illegal position within the university’s administration.
Despite the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) declaring that Mr. Brian Ouma occupies a non-existent position as Chief Operations Officer, the university council has failed to act.
“This position is not recognized by the Public Service Commission, the University Charter, or the statutes of any public university in Kenya. It is a blatant misuse of public funds,” Dr. Muthoni said.
UASU has demanded the immediate revocation of the position and called on the Chief of Staff, the Head of Public Service, and the Cabinet Secretary for Education to take decisive action.
Flawed Advertisement of Vice-Chancellor and Deputy Vice-Chancellor Positions
On January 21, 2025, the Public Service Commission advertised the positions of Vice-Chancellor and one Deputy Vice-Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs.
However, UASU noted that the positions of Deputy Vice-Chancellors for Finance & Planning, Human Resources, and Student Affairs were conspicuously omitted. The union alleges that this omission is a calculated move by the university council to consolidate power in the illegal office of the Chief Operations Officer.
“This is not just poor governance; it is a direct violation of the university’s statutes,” Dr. Muthoni said. UASU has called on the PSC to revoke the advertisement and issue a new one that includes all statutory positions.
“Councils and Chancellors come and go, but the staff, students, and parents will bear the brunt of this mismanagement. Unless these issues are addressed urgently, the University of Nairobi will die,” Dr. Muthoni concluded.
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