Lecturers at the University of Nairobi have raised the red flag over its future, saying the institution is on its deathbed, a situation, which they say is being orchestrated by some top government officials.

The dons who spoke yesterday said the university has been hijacked by individuals who have turned it into a theatre of drama, intrigues and mendacity.

“The University of Nairobi as we know it is dying. We say this not to create panic or gain unnecessary attention but out of The Universities Academic Staff Union’s (Uasu) care over this great national institution,” said Uasu Nairobi chapter secretary Dr Maloba Wekesa.

The union says that since the appointment of Prof Amukowa Anagwe as the chair of Council of UoN the university has experienced the most tumultuous period of bad governance.
Wekesa alleged that Anangwe has turned the university like his own personal property issuing orders even on areas where he should not.

Overall interference
“We call upon CS Migos Ogamba to take quick action because we are not ready to watch and see the university die before our eyes. Anangwe is even on record calling deans to giver operational direction of faculties. This level of interference in the running of the University is unprecedented in its overreach,” warned Chair Nairobi Chapter Uasu Dr Richard Bosire.

Efforts to get comment from Prof Anangwe were fruitless as he neither picked calls nor responded to our short text messages.
Bosire said that if action is not taken within seven days, they would head to the streets immediately.

“We shall stop all activity at the university in seven days,” Uasu has warned. Adding, “The University of Nairobi is dying because of looting!”

The Uasu chapter of the University of Nairobi has demanded that the university council be sent home or they take to the streets.

According to Bosire, powerful government officials have also hatched a plot to seize the university’s land.

The land in question is nestled opposite the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) and near Hotel Boulevard along James Gichuru Road. The land hosts graduate apartments.

Lost millions
Uasu is demanding a probe by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) into the matter, which they claim has seen the university lose billions.

According to the union, the university council is hampering operations, stopping the acting vice-chancellor from actualizing her responsibilities. Uasu says at the moment there are centres of power, including the chancellor, vice chancellor, and the council, which facilitate alleged malpractices.

UoN has faced turbulent times over the last five years with wrangles among the top leadership. Last year, the university council suspended vice chancellor Stephen Kiama, and then terminated him after wrangles that have bedevilled the institution for more than a year.

Prof Margaret Hutchinson is the acting vice-chancellor and is now facing renewed pressure.

However, the university stated that public universities across the country are facing significant financial constraints, the University of Nairobi notwithstanding. They acknowledged that the university is currently navigating unprecedented financial challenges that demand urgent and decisive action.

“Recognising this urgent challenge, the Cabinet has approved a 24-month transformation agenda to be executed by the University Council, under the Chancellor’s guidance,” the statement read.

UoN said the initiative aims to restore financial stability and lay the foundation for long-term sustainability.

The agenda, they said, includes reforming academic programs, enhancing productivity, and diversifying revenue streams, including but not limited to the commercialisation of idle assets.

“Prior to this, continuous consultations have been ongoing, involving engagements with various stakeholders, including staff, students, and industry partners. These discussions were preceded by the launch of the ‘Big 5’ transformation agenda, emphasizing the University’s commitment to inclusive decision-making,” the statement reads in part.