University of Nairobi Vice-Chancellor Stephen Kiama has rejected a directive instructing him to go on leave. In a statement issued on Monday morning, Kiama urged university staff and students to disregard the directive, indicating that he still considered himself in office.
“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.
“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 council had announced on Friday that Kiama was being placed on compulsory leave following a council meeting held on the same day.
Council Chairperson Amukova Anangwe stated that Prof. Ayub Njoroge Gitau, the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, had been appointed as the acting Vice-Chancellor effective from 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.
The council did not communicate the reason for the decision.
