The University of Nairobi (UoN) has officially terminated Professor Stephen Kiama’s tenure as Vice-Chancellor (VC). The University Council released a statement on October 14, confirming that Kiama’s employment was terminated on September 27, 2024.
The announcement of Professor Stephen Kiama’s termination comes after months of speculation and controversy surrounding his leadership. According to the University of Nairobi Council, the termination was effective from September 27. The reasons for this decision were communicated to Kiama promptly.
The council reassured the university community that it acted within its legal framework. “The university community should rest assured that whenever called upon, the Council will rise to the occasion and discharge its mandate faithfully and within the beacons of law,” the statement read. This move was part of the council’s broader aim to ensure that UoN’s vision and mission remain intact.
Professor Margaret Hutchinson Appointed Acting VC
Following the termination of Professor Kiama, the University Council quickly moved to stabilize leadership. Professor Margaret Hutchinson was appointed as the acting Vice-Chancellor, tasked with steering the institution through this transitional period. The council emphasized the importance of individual and collective commitment to service in pursuit of the university’s goals.
This decision comes after Professor Kiama faced allegations of failing to meet the requirements for a second term. In August 2024, the council had suspended Kiama for three months, citing unsatisfactory performance.
Leadership Struggles Plague Professor Stephen Kiama’s Tenure
Professor Stephen Kiama’s troubles at the University of Nairobi began long before his recent termination. The first signs of friction appeared in September 2023 when Kiama cut short his leave and unexpectedly resumed his duties. Initially, the council had granted him a six-month leave, starting on August 1, 2023, to clear his accumulated leave days. However, he returned earlier than anticipated and immediately removed the then-acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Julius Ogeng’o, from office. This move raised eyebrows and fueled leadership disputes within the institution.
In April 2024, the situation escalated when the council placed Kiama on compulsory leave and appointed Professor Ayub Njoroge Gitau as the acting VC. Kiama rejected this decision, arguing that the communication regarding his leave was unofficial and unapproved.
Back in January 2020, Kiama was poised to take over as the Vice-Chancellor after being appointed by the University of Nairobi Council under the leadership of Prof. Julia Ojiambo. However, his appointment faced immediate challenges. The late Professor George Magoha, the then Education Cabinet Secretary, revoked Kiama’s appointment and dissolved the University Council. Subsequently, Prof. Isaac Mbeche was installed as the acting Vice-Chancellor.
A legal battle ensued, with the Labor Court temporarily suspending the revocation of Kiama’s appointment. Despite this legal victory, the professor’s leadership faced continued scrutiny, and his position remained precarious throughout his term.