Court Blocks Magoha's Decision on UoN Vice-Chancellor

Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha's decision to revoke the appointment of Professor Isaac Kiama as the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nairobi has been halted by the Employment and Labour Relations Court.

A report by Capital FM on Monday, January 20, indicated that Lady Justice Maureen Onyango further halted the decision to appoint Professor Isaac Mbeche as the acting VC.

Kiama through his lawyer Fred Ngatia had filed a suit questioning the legality of Magoha's decision after he was appointed by the university council.

Professor Stephen Kiama pictured at a past forum

“Under section 35(1)(a)(v) of the Universities Act the CS has no power in law to appoint or revoke the appointment of the VC,” Ngatia asserted.

He noted that temporary orders from the court would help calm the situation as Kiama had already assumed office and began his duties.

A letter dated January 3, 2020 indicated that Kiama had been appointed to serve as the institution's Vice-Chancellor for five years.

Kiama's appointment was confirmed on January 5 but it emerged that the government was dissatisfied with the recruitment process undertaken.

"All senior appointments in the country... when the process is complete, the interviewing entity consults with the government.

"It is not an information process, it is consultation. If you look at the Ministry of Education, I can tell you that I do not have a government. The government belongs to Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta," Magoha told the press on January 20.

In a special notice dated January 17, Magoha revoked Kiama's appointment as he also dissolved the university council, de-gazetting six members including Chairperson Julia Ojiambo.

“Prof Magoha has further revoked the appointment of Prof Stephen Gitahi Kiama as the Vice-Chancellor of The University of Nairobi until the ongoing consultative process of appointing a Substantive Vice-Chancellor is completed,” a statement from the Ministry of Education read in part.

The council members de-gazetted included Chairperson Julia Ojiambo, Flora Mtuweta Mighulo Maghanga, Dr. Jocelyn Marie Rarieya, Hassan Abdi Mohamud, Isaac Chebon Kiprop and Eng. Kariuki Muchemi

In his statement, Magoha announced that Mbeche would serve as acting VC “pending the conclusion of the process of appointment of a substantive Vice-Chancellor.”

Professor Isaac Mbeche addressing a recent press conference