UASU Protests Re-advertisement of UoN Vice Chancellor Position — Warns Against Outsider Interference
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The University of Nairobi (UoN) is once again at the centre of a leadership dispute as the Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) raises strong objections to the re-advertisement of the Vice Chancellor position, accusing stakeholders outside the university of meddling in the process and undermining institutional stability.The union argues that the ongoing turmoil around the leadership appointment comes amid a broader governance crisis that has seen the institution’s top organs, including the council and government officials, clash over university administration.
UASU Objects to Vice Chancellor Re-advertisement
UASU has publicly cautioned that external interference — whether by political actors, council members acting beyond their mandate, or executive offices outside the university — could undermine UoN’s autonomy. The union emphasises that leadership appointments must be anchored in due process, merit, and adherence to the Universities Act and relevant higher-education regulations.
Analysts suggest that unresolved tensions between the union, university management, and government authorities could escalate if not addressed through constructive dialogue and inclusive decision-making.
UASU Objects to Vice Chancellor Re-advertisement
Vice Chancellor post reflects deeper governance challenges and risks further destabilising the university’s academic and administrative functions.
While specific details of the latest re-advertisement were not widely published at the time of this report, there have been recent tensions between the UoN Council and university stakeholders over leadership appointments — including previous controversial appointments and nullifications involving senior management positions.
Union officials argue that outstanding governance issues should be resolved first, and that external interference by government officials or other actors in the recruitment process threatens merit-based decision-making and institutional autonomy.
They have warned that outsiders should refrain from influencing the process and that any appointment must be transparent, fair, and in line with legal and statutory requirements governing public universities.
Background: Leadership Turmoil at UoN
The University of Nairobi has been embroiled in leadership disputes for months, with several high-profile clashes involving council decisions, management appointments, and governance standards:
Revocation of UoN Council Chair Appointment: Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba revoked the appointment of Prof. Amukowa Anangwe as UoN Council chairman, after pressure from UASU and parliamentary committees over alleged mismanagement and interference in university affairs.
Appointment and Contestation of Senior Roles: Previous appointments, including roles in the university’s senior leadership, were nullified by the Ministry of Education when statutory procedures were not properly followed — a decision that heightened governance tensions.
These incidents have set the stage for UASU’s current protests over the leadership vacuum and the process of selecting a substantive Vice Chancellor.
Background: Leadership Turmoil at UoN
The University of Nairobi has been embroiled in leadership disputes for months, with several high-profile clashes involving council decisions, management appointments, and governance standards:
Revocation of UoN Council Chair Appointment: Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba revoked the appointment of Prof. Amukowa Anangwe as UoN Council chairman, after pressure from UASU and parliamentary committees over alleged mismanagement and interference in university affairs.
Appointment and Contestation of Senior Roles: Previous appointments, including roles in the university’s senior leadership, were nullified by the Ministry of Education when statutory procedures were not properly followed — a decision that heightened governance tensions.
These incidents have set the stage for UASU’s current protests over the leadership vacuum and the process of selecting a substantive Vice Chancellor.
Impact on University Operations
The ongoing leadership row has already impacted the university community in several ways:
Academic staff and unions remain vigilant, calling for clarity and job security as they voice concerns over governance lapses.
Students and staff alike are watching developments closely, given the potential effects on academic calendars, institutional governance, and overall campus stability.
Observers note that transparency in the Vice Chancellor appointment process will be critical for restoring confidence among staff, students, and alumni alike.
What’s Next
UASU has signalled that it may escalate its protests or legal actions if it believes that the leadership appointment process continues to fall short of statutory and ethical standards. Stakeholders across the university and government will be under pressure to ensure that the process is inclusive, transparent, and rooted in law to avoid further disruption at Kenya’s oldest public university.
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