The University of Nairobi (UoN), Kenya’s oldest and most prestigious institution, is facing an existential threat, according to the Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU), UoN Chapter.
In a fiery press conference, the union accused top university leadership of mismanagement, illegal governance practices, and attempts to auction university assets.
“The University of Nairobi as we know it is dying!” declared the UASU Secretary. “We say this not to create panic but out of care for this great national institution. UoN has been hijacked by buccaneers and is now a theatre of intrigue with the most toxic work environment never witnessed before.”
The union cited four critical issues behind their call for intervention:
1. Illegal 24-Month Transformational Strategy
The union slammed a 24-month transformation plan allegedly crafted by the Chancellor without staff involvement.
According to UASU, the plan violates the University Charter and paves the way for the sale of university land through questionable “Special Purpose Vehicles.”
“This document is full of bluster and illegalities. Why should the Chancellor suddenly move into a high-end house at the university’s expense? This is thuggery, plain and simple,” the UASU Secretary exclaimed.
The union demands the immediate withdrawal of the strategy and a return to the five-year strategic plan developed with stakeholder participation.
2. Council Chair Overreach
UASU also took aim at the Council Chair, Prof. Amukowa Anangwe, accusing him of acting beyond his mandate.
“If Prof. Anangwe wants to be Vice-Chancellor, let him apply to the Public Service Commission instead of usurping roles,” the Secretary said.
“He runs the university like a kiosk, interfering in daily operations and leaving all senior positions in an acting capacity.”The union urged Parliament’s Education Committee to censure Prof. Anangwe and demanded swift action from the Education Cabinet Secretary.
3. Non-Existent Office of Chief Operations Officer
Another contentious issue is the continued existence of the “Chief Operations Officer” role, occupied by Mr. Brian Ouma, which the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has declared non-existent.
“No other public university in Kenya has such a position. Why should public funds be wasted on an illegal office?” UASU questioned.
The union called for the immediate revocation of the position and for the EACC to take decisive action.
4. Suspicious Advertisement of Top Positions
Lastly, UASU criticized the Public Service Commission’s recent advertisement for the Vice-Chancellor and one Deputy Vice-Chancellor (DVC) position, leaving out three other DVC roles enshrined in the university statutes.
“This omission is a calculated move to consolidate power under the illegal COO office. We demand a fresh advertisement that includes all DVC positions as per the statutes,” stated the union.
A Plea to Save UoN
“Ladies and gentlemen of the fourth estate, speak loudly to the general public and help save our university. Staff, students, and parents will suffer irreparable damage if these issues are not urgently addressed. The University of Nairobi will die unless swift action is taken,” the Secretary warned.
The union now awaits responses from the President, Parliament, the Ministry of Education, and other stakeholders.
The fate of Kenya’s leading university hangs in the balance.
