Kenyatta University (KU) Vice-Chancellor (VC), Prof. Paul Wainaina, has announced his departure for an annual leave, effective from Monday.
In an internal memo addressed to the university community, Prof. Wainaina stated that he would be utilizing his accumulated annual leave, with the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (DVC) Academics, Prof. Waceke Wanjohi, assuming the role of Acting Vice-Chancellor during his absence. The memo did not specify the duration of his leave.
Prof. Wainaina’s decision comes after his recent participation in a prayer service held on Sunday to honor the 11 students who tragically lost their lives in the Kenyatta University accident on March 18.
The tenure of Prof. Wainaina as Vice-Chancellor has been marked by controversy, notably his dismissal from the position in August 2022.
His dismissal stemmed from a dispute with the government regarding a piece of land sought for the construction of the World Health Organization (WHO) African regional operations and logistics hub.
Prof. Wainaina resisted the government’s demand for the land, leading to his removal as VC.
Subsequently, Prof. Waceke was appointed as the Acting Vice-Chancellor. However, Prof. Wainaina was reinstated three months later following the change in government to Kenya Kwanza.
