The University of Nairobi (UoN) Council has officially terminated Professor Stephen Kiama’s role as Vice-Chancellor of the institution.
In a statement released on October 14, the Council announced that Kiama’s tenure ended on September 27, with the reasons for his dismissal communicated to him directly.
“The Council wishes to inform the university community that Prof. Stephen Gitahi Kiama’s services were terminated effective September 27, 2024,” the statement reads, referencing a previous communique issued to the university community on August 2, 2024.
The Council reassured the community of its commitment to fulfilling its responsibilities within the legal framework.
The Council emphasized the importance of collective dedication to the university’s mission, calling for unity in serving both the institution and society at large.
This announcement follows the Council’s earlier decision in August to place Kiama on a three-month review period due to concerns regarding his eligibility for reappointment.
As part of the transition, Professor Margaret Hutchinson has been appointed as acting Vice-Chancellor.
Professor Kiama’s challenges began in September 2023 when he unexpectedly cut short a six-month leave he had requested starting August 1, 2023.
He returned to work earlier than scheduled and proceeded to remove Professor Julius Ogeng’o, who had been acting as Vice-Chancellor during his absence.
In April 2024, the Council placed Kiama on compulsory leave and appointed Professor Ayub Njoroge Gitau as the acting Vice-Chancellor.
Kiama later contested the legitimacy of this leave, labeling the communication as unofficial.
Kiama’s journey as Vice-Chancellor has been tumultuous, beginning with his initial appointment in January 2020.
Though he was set to take the position pending presidential approval, the then Minister of Education dissolved the Council,
revoking his appointment. Despite this, a Labor Court later suspended the revocation, and he was appointed to the role for a five-year term set to conclude in January 2025.
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