In a raft of changes to the leadership of the University of Nairobi, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has revoked the appointment of Prof Amukowa Anangwe as the university's council chairperson effective February 21.
This is after mounting pressure from the Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) and the National Assembly’s Education Committee, who accused Prof Anangwe of staff interference, mismanagement, and governance conflicts at the university.
"In exercise of the powers conferred by section 36 (1) (a) of the Universities Act, 2012 as read together with section 51 (1) of the Interpretation and General Provisions Act, the Cabinet Secretary for Education revokes the appointment of Professor Amukoya Anangwe as the Chairperson of the Council of the University of Nairobi," the notice read in part.
In a move to reclaim the university's sanity, UASU had issued the ministry a seven-day ultimatum demanding Prof Anangwe's removal or they hold demonstrations.
Uasu cited concerns over unilateral decisions, unauthorised contract extensions, and the controversial Chief Operations Officer position. The union accused the former chairperson of encroaching on the vice-chancellor’s role, taking over key decision-making functions.
The NA committee faulted the Ministry of Education for failing to address the management issues at the university, warning that inaction could lead to its downfall.
The NA had also given the CS seven days to present a report outlining steps taken to resolve the leadership crisis.
The CS has made other changes in the Nyandarua National Polytechnic and the Commission for University Education.
In Nyandarua National Polytechnic, Ogamba appointed Prof Geoffrey Wahungu as the chairperson of the University Council for three years.
Reuben Gitau Gicheha, Immaculate W. Kamau, Charles A. Ndiege, Dr Connie Okwisa Mogaka, and Peter Kiwial Pembee are the new members of the council.
The CS also revoked the appointment of Dr Langat Christopher Andrew as a board member of the Commission for University Education, with effect from February 21, 2025.
The CS did not reveal the reason for the revocation.
