Lecturers ask CS Machogu to intervene, end Uon wrangles

Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) – University of Nairobi Chapter has now called for an immediate end to wrangles in the institution and that order be restored.

Led by its Chairman and Secretary, Dr Richard Bosire and Dr Maloba Wekesa respectively, the UoN Chapter yesterday said the Government should take swift and appropriate action, in addition to establishing the root cause of the wrangles that are now damaging the university’s image.

They also called on Education Cabinet Secretary, Ezekiel Machogu to rein in the wrangling parties to bring order to the university, adding that the wrangles have been shameful and disruptive.

“Whereas UASU does not wish to escalate the already ongoing internecine wrangles, it is our right as a social partner at the university that we call to order all wrangling parties. It is not in the interest of our members that incessant squabbles dominate national headlines,” said Wekesa at a press conference held in Nairobi.

“These disputes call to question some fundamental questions: Where is the voice of the Ministry of Education? Where is the President, Vice President, Speakers of both National Parliaments, and the many legislators in Government who are all alumni of the University? UASU demands an immediate moratorium on any escalation of hostilities,” he added.

Bosire said that part of the reasons for the wrangles is non-adherence to the established university’s management structures, which everyone should follow to the letter. “Because of the enormity of the crisis that is facing the UoN as we speak today the government has exceptional capacity through its intelligence and security system to go deep and establish the root cause of the crisis,” he said.

Saying they have not taken any sides of the wrangling parties, Wekesa said their focus is that UASU members’ welfare be put at the forefront of decisions at the university, which include negotiation and conclusion of the belated internal Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) 2017/21 and the resumption of internal promotion interviews. “We demand the respect of the rule of law, the sanctity of our long-nurtured traditions and ethos of the University, and the realisation that we are working not just for Kenya but for the future of our beloved country. Our University deserves peace in realising its mandate as a research and teaching institution. We no not need more drama,” he uttered.

Political appointment

He stated that the UASU – UoN has been in office just about three years during which time, they have also had three university councils, two Chancellors and one Vice-Chancellor.

“Whereas the University Chancellor and Vice Chancellor have enjoyed tenures of office, the University Council has been subject to political appointment,” he explained.

Wekesa said the musical chairs at the University Council have led to litigation over the powers of the Cabinet Secretary in reconstituting them.

In a ruling by Justice Ngaah on March 16, 2024, Wekesa said the judge agreed with UASU that the Education Cabinet Secretary did not have powers to reconstitute any University Council once appointed and gazetted.

“The Judge did not, however, rule to align with his observations, citing unknown repercussions the University would face. This has rendered the current University Council led by Prof Amukowa Anangwe ‘illegally constituted but in service’,” the Secretary explained.

On internal CBA, Wekesa said that the absence of the Council at UoN has led to an inordinate delay in negotiating and concluding it, which was last negotiated over a decade ago.