Battle Approaches as UoN Acting VC Refuses to Step down
Battle Approaches as UoN Acting VC Refuses to Step down. The University of Nairobi (UoN) is currently facing a leadership dilemma. Acting Vice-Chancellor (VC) Julius Ogeng’o has refused to step down from his role despite the return of Professor Stephen Kiama who cut short his half-year leave.
Prof Kiama assumed his position as Vice-Chancellor on Monday, September 4, expecting Ogeng’o to vacate his position. However, the acting VC reportedly refused.
The University Academic Staff Union (UASU) suggests that Prof Ogeng’o may have received instructions from the University of Nairobi Council, adding to the confusion.
Unions are increasingly concerned about ongoing management disputes, which they say could have a negative impact on students at the nation’s largest institution.
Benjamin Omondi, former General Secretary of UASU and UoN staff, stressed the importance of communication from the Board of Governors regarding any leadership changes at the University of Nairobi. He emphasized that the decisions of the board are final and that Professor Ogeng’o appears to have been following the orders of that governing body.
Omondi also pointed out that the University of Nairobi Board of Trustees, which is officially recognized, has the power to provide checks and balances to lower level authorities. Therefore, it is expected that no one should ignore the board’s decision amid ongoing leadership disputes.
The union warned against any activities that could disrupt the planning and execution of educational programs within the institution, stressing the need to ensure that students’ learning routines remain intact.
The university branch of UASU sued the council for the changing of the guard.
“Prof Kiama ascended to office through the courts. Remember he was not the choice of Professor George Magohy (the then Education Cabinet Secretary). He is now having problems with three councils. What is it about him that he can’t work with people? It’s a problem with him and not the council.’
Battle Approaches as UoN Acting VC Refuses to Step down