Fresh Leadership Dispute Hits University of Nairobi Recruitment Process

A new leadership row is unfolding at the University of Nairobi as tensions rise over the recruitment of a Vice Chancellor and deputy vice chancellors. Members of the University Academic Staff Union have openly questioned the motive behind the ongoing recruitment process, warning that the latest developments could destabilize the institution and undermine merit-based governance.

At the center of the dispute is the alleged failure by the university administration to advertise the position of Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Human Resources. According to UASU, this omission is not accidental and creates space for external influence over senior appointments. Union leaders argue that such gaps in transparency expose the university to manipulation and threaten staff welfare and institutional independence.

Speaking on Thursday, UASU Chapter Secretary Dr. Maloba Wekesa expressed strong concern over the process, stating that the omission was intentional and dangerous to the university’s future.

“This is NOT an inadvertent omission. This is a deliberate omission which, in our opinion, sows a new seed of disorder that UASU fears, portends for another round of unseen hands intent on controlling staff hiring and eventually the destiny of the University,” he said.

Why is UASU questioning the recruitment of top university officials?

The union’s concerns extend beyond a single position. UASU has also questioned who is effectively running the university following prolonged delays in appointing a substantive Vice Chancellor. Since the exit of Prof Stephen Kiama, the role has remained without a permanent office holder, with Prof Margaret Hutchinson serving in an acting capacity.

Dr. Wekesa noted that earlier efforts to resolve the leadership vacuum had failed, despite public announcements.

“The office of the vice chancellor has been without a substantive holder, prof Margaret Hutchinson holding it in acting capacity …efforts to employ a VC were undertaken with Prof. Bitange Ndemo named for the role that he did not take up…only this week, another recruitment process for that position as well as those of two DVC’s was started. UASU is reading a sinister motive in this move,” Dr. Wekesa added.

UASU maintains that recruitment at the University of Nairobi must strictly follow principles of merit and professionalism. The union warned against any form of political or ethnic interference in the hiring of senior administrators.

“Because we are a university that believes strongly in merit, any recruitment done should be on the basis of merit, professionalism, not the basis of ethnicity, not the basis of political expediency.”

What risks do the leadership wrangles pose to staff and governance?

Beyond governance concerns, UASU has warned that violations of university statutes will attract swift legal action. The union claims that individuals with questionable academic credentials and ill intentions are attempting to regain influence within the institution.

“That past where the chancellor meddled in the daily operations of the university, as wasthe case with the previous chancellor, when the council overstepped their mandate and basically pitched camp in the university, those days are over,” he noted.

Dr. Wekesa also raised alarm over reports that individuals previously investigated for fake academic papers may be attempting to return to office.

“Even in our own university, there are officers who have been investigated by the EACC for having fake papers, and we hear they are sneaking back. EACC must take action, the government must take action.”

The leadership wrangles have also had a direct financial impact on staff. Despite a 2021 to 2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement that set the retirement age for academic staff at 74 years, several senior scholars remain off the payroll more than a year after the agreement was signed. UASU is now demanding unconditional reinstatement of affected staff and full payment of all delayed dues, warning that unresolved disputes will continue to disrupt the university’s stability.

By Lucky Anyanje