The Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) has issued a seven-day strike notice to the University of Nairobi over what it has termed systemic law flouting.
“We shall stop all activity at the university in seven days,” UASU has warned. Adding, “The University of Nairobi is dying because of looting!”
Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, February 19, the UASU chapter of the University of Nairobi has demanded that the University Council be sent home or they take to the streets.
Dr Richard Bosire, the Chairperson of the UoN chapter, asked the Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba to send the Council packing immediately.
UASU is calling for the exit of University Council Chair Amukoa Anangwe, whom they accuse of sabotaging operations at the university.
“We call upon CS Migos Ogamba to take quick action because we are not ready to watch and see the university die before our eyes,” warned Bosire.
According to Bosire, powerful government officials have hatched a plot to seize the university's land. The land in question is nestled opposite the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) and near Hotel Boulevard along James Gichuru Road. The land hosts graduate apartments.
UASU is demanding a probe from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) into the matter, which they claim has seen the university lose billions.
According to the union, the university council is hampering operations, stopping the acting vice-chancellor from actualising her responsibilities. UASU says at the moment there are centers of power, including the chancellor, vice chancellor, and the council, which facilitate alleged looting.
"The council and the vice chancellor must follow rules," asserted Dr Bosire. Dr Maloba Wekesa, the UoN UASU Chapter Secretary, warned, "We fear that if nothing is done, the University of Nairobi, as we know it, is dying."
UoN has faced turbulent times over the last five years with wrangles among the top leadership. Last year, the university council suspended Vice Chancellor Prof Stephen Kiama, then terminated him after wrangles that have bedeviled the institution for more than a year.
Professor Margaret Hutchinson is the acting Vice-Chancellor and is now facing renewed pressure.
