UASU Demands Dissolution of University of Nairobi Council Over Governance Crisis

In a strongly worded statement read on behalf of the University Academic Staff Union (UASU) by Chapter Secretary Dr. Maloba Wekesa, the union has expressed deep concern over the state of affairs at the University of Nairobi (UoN), calling for the immediate dissolution of the institution’s University Council.

“Regrettably, the University of Nairobi is back in the news, and not for its core mandate of teaching and research. This pattern has become notoriously repetitive, thanks to the embarrassing policy gaffes of an incompetent, petty, and vindictive University Council,” Dr. Wekesa stated.

He further warned that unless the Council is disbanded, UoN risks sinking into further instability.

The union outlined four major grievances including the Revocation of Prof. Amukowa Anangwe as Council Chair.

UASU welcomed the revocation of Prof. Amukowa Anangwe’s appointment as UoN Council Chair through the Kenya Gazette (Notice No. 1957, February 21, 2025), citing what they described as a tenure marked by “disastrous policy goofs, increased toxicity, and declining morale.”

However, the union was dismayed by a temporary court order on February 26, 2025, reinstating Prof. Anangwe, which they say emboldened him to hold a press conference where he lashed out at his critics.

UASU dismissed Prof. Anangwe’s claims of being a founding member of UASU, emphasizing that his appointment as a public servant was a political gesture by former President Daniel Moi, who later dismissed him over corruption allegations. The union demanded that the revocation of his appointment remain in effect and called on all lecturers to unite in defending the integrity of the institution.

Attempted Suspension of the UASU Chapter Secretary Dr. Wekesa revealed that he received a letter via email on March 5, 2025, dated February 27, 2025, from Prof. Anangwe, purportedly suspending him from duty pending investigations into alleged misconduct.

The accusations included “gross misconduct, insubordination, absenteeism, and insulting behavior.”Terming the move as unprecedented and a blatant act of intimidation, Dr. Wekesa sought legal redress, and on March 10, 2025, the court granted a stay against any disciplinary action.

He reiterated UASU’s resolve, stating:”Let me state this very clearly: Dr. Maloba Wekesa does not scare easily! UASU does NOT scare easily! This blatant intimidation will not stop or waver our resolve.

UASU accused Prof. Anangwe of meddling in the election of Deans, an exercise traditionally conducted through a democratic process within faculties. Specifically, they cited an instance in the School of Business and Management Sciences, where Prof. Anangwe allegedly handpicked a successor for an outgoing Dean instead of allowing a faculty-led election.

“The thin-skinned insecurity of Prof. Anangwe cannot fathom that academic staff members play a role in the administration of the university. We demand that the election process be restored immediately, or UASU will take all necessary action to protect the rights of its members,” Dr. Wekesa declared.

Stalled Advertisement for Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Finance, Planning & Development)UASU further condemned what it termed deliberate delays in advertising the position of Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Finance, Planning & Development), arguing that the Council is intentionally creating a management vacuum to facilitate interference in university operations.

They called on the Public Service Commission and the Ministry of Education to intervene and ensure transparency in the recruitment process.

UASU urged the Cabinet Secretary for Education to take decisive action in restoring stability at UoN, emphasizing that governance failures at the institution are symptomatic of a broader crisis in public universities.

“We implore the media to speak loudly and clearly to the public. Our staff, students, and parents are anxious for the university to return to its rightful place as a premier institution of higher learning,” Dr Wekesa stated.

By Sharon Atieno