The Unending Stephen Kiama Woes.
The University of Nairobi Vice-Chancellor Stephen Kiama’s woes are yet to end. Fresh challenges are now emerging concerning his pending leave days.
In a twist of events that has led to a leadership row, the University Council has rejected the resumption of duty by the vice-chancellor, citing indications that it has not yet approved his return to work.
According to a letter by the university council chairman, Prof. Amukowa, the decision by the council to allow Professor Kiama to go on leave is still active. As a result, the council holds that the vice chancellor is still on vacation and cannot discharge any duties until his leave ends.
However, the University Vice Chancellor and the council chairman shared a podium during the University’s graduation ceremony in another twist of events.
A statement from the University Council chairman indicates that Professor Kiama did not provide any communication indicating his return to the institution after three weeks of leave.
The chairman indicates that the vice chancellor sent a letter to the council after discharging his duties for a whole day before the council could make a decision to revoke his six months’ leave.
According to Anangwe, the actions of the Vice Chancellor are unprocedural and uncouth.
In its official communication to Professor Kiama, the university council refers to the directive by the Head of Public Service requiring all civil servants with accumulated leave days to take compulsory leave. The directive also stops the conversion of leave days into financial compensation.
The university council still holds that Professor Kiama must exhaust his leave days before resuming work.
Read also: Professor Kiama still steers the University of Nairobi
On July 28, 2023, Professor Kiama boldly moved to a six-month leave from office. Upon approval of his request, the professor proceeded with his leave on August 2, 2023. Upon his return to the institution three weeks into his six-month leave, the professor indicated that the issues that led to his exit had been resolved.
The Unending Stephen Kiama Woes.