Margaret Hutchinson, the newly appointed Acting Vice Chancellor of the University of Nairobi, is already facing a daunting challenge just a day into her tenure.
The Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) has issued a seven-day strike notice, accusing the university council of interfering with the institution's stability. This announcement comes after a prolonged period of leadership struggles at Kenya’s premier university.
Maloba Wekesa, the UASU University of Nairobi chapter secretary, has vocalised the union's frustrations, stating that the council's actions have disrupted the institution's operations. The union threatens to proceed with industrial action within a week if their grievances are not addressed, putting immense pressure on Hutchinson's nascent leadership.
The roots of this turmoil can be traced back to the contentious tenure of Professor Stephen Kiama, the previous Vice Chancellor. Since his appointment in 2020, Kiama's relationship with the university's council has been fraught with conflict.
Despite being appointed for a five-year term, his position has been under constant threat, culminating in his suspension last Friday. This marked the fourth attempt to oust him, following multiple interventions by influential government officials.
Kiama's leadership saw significant achievements, including increasing external research grants from Ksh1.9 billion to Ksh4.8 billion. Despite these accomplishments, his tenure was marred by persistent challenges.
The Universities Act (2012) stipulates that the appointment of Vice Chancellors for public universities should be a politically neutral process, managed by university councils and the Cabinet Secretary for Education. However, the ongoing saga at the University of Nairobi suggests a significant deviation from this principle.
Hutchinson’s appointment was witnessed by the university council on August 5. The council, led by Chair Prof. Amukowa Anangwe, oversaw the transition. Hutchinson, a horticulturist and senior lecturer with over 30 years in the agriculture sector, now finds herself at the helm of an institution embroiled in turmoil.
In a move to stabilise the university’s management, the council also announced several key appointments. Ayub Gitau, formerly Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, was appointed Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs. Francis Mulaa, the former Associate Dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology, was named Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research, Innovation, and Enterprise.
The leadership crisis at the University of Nairobi reflects deeper issues within the institution. The council’s decision to place Kiama on compulsory leave was met with resistance and controversy. This leadership vacuum has exacerbated tensions among the university's staff and stakeholders.
One senior academic staff member, who requested anonymity, expressed scepticism about the council’s recent decisions. “These changes are not addressing the core issues. We need stability and clear direction, not just new faces in leadership,” they stated.
Hutchinson’s immediate task is clear: to avert the looming strike and restore stability.
