The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nairobi, Stephen Kiama, has dismissed a communication instructing him to take leave. In a statement released Monday morning, he advised university staff and students to disregard the directive, suggesting that he remains in his position.
“My attention has been drawn to a communication which was circulated to all members of the staff and students on Friday 19th, April 2024 at 6:27 PM claiming that the vice chancellor had proceeded on leave,” Kiama said.
He added “This matter has elicited a lot of publicity and has the potential to lead to apprehension to both members of the staff and students. I call upon all members of the staff and students to ignore the communication.”
The University of Nairobi (UoN) Council had on Friday , April 19 sent UoN Vice-Chancellor Professor Stephen Kiama on compulsory leave pending his exit from office. In an internal memo the council chairman Professor Amukoa Anangwe said the resolution to send Kiama on leave was made during a meeting held on the same day.
The council announced that Prof. Ayub Njoroge Gitau, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering had been appointed to act as the Vice Chancellor effective Friday, April 19, 2024.
“The Council resolves that the Vice Chancellor prof. Stephen Kiama Gitahi proceeds on leave effective April 19, 2024,” read the memo in part.
“The University fraternity is called upon to support Professor Ayub Njoroge Gitau as he discharges how new responsibility as the Acting Vice Chancellor of the University of Nairobi,” the memo added.
