We Can Work Together: University Council Tells VC Kiama.
The Council of the University of Nairobi (UON) has offered an opportunity for reconciliation to Vice Chancellor (VC) Stephen Kiama, thereby indicating a potential resolution to the prolonged period of strain between the parties involved.
In a fresh twist of events, the council has shown its willingness to collaborate with the Vice Chancellor, despite holding a hardline stance before his return from leave, a mere two weeks ago.
As per the council’s statement, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Stephen Kiama and the university council will diligently work together and adhere to legal provisions and the institution’s governing Charter.
A circular by the university council chairman, Amukoa Anangwe on October 3, states that the council’s objective is to uphold the University of Nairobi’s position as a frontrunner in academic and research excellence
According to Anangwe, the primary objective of the council is to uphold the University of Nairobi’s status as a distinguished institution in the fields of academia and research.
The announcement comes a fortnight subsequent to the council’s decision to prohibit Kiama from assuming the responsibilities of Vice Chancellor, commencing on September 25, following his resumption of work and the unexpected termination of his six-month sabbatical after a mere three weeks.
The council characterized Kiama’s return from leave as lacking proper procedure, unsustainable, and unacceptable.
The rationale behind this decision derives its basis from a directive issued by Felix Koskei, who holds the position of Head of Public Service and Chief of Staff. The directive indicates that all civil servants with accrued leave days to go on leave leave, and further prohibits the conversion of vacation days into monetary compensation.
The council holds the belief that this directive aligns with their resolution of July 31, requiring Kiama to adhere to both the directive and the resolution until his leave of 161 days comes to an end.
Read also: The Unending Stephen Kiama Woes
The origins of the problem date back to July 28, when the Vice Chancellor (VC) made a formal request for a six-month sabbatical period after a disagreement with the council.
The request was granted, and his period of absence commenced on August 2nd.
Nevertheless, in a subsequent correspondence, Kiama expressed his intention to resume his professional duties on August 31, attributing this decision to the resolution of the matters that prompted his request for leave, which encompassed certain aspects pertaining to his personal well-being.
Notwithstanding the receipt of his correspondence, the council had failed to provide a response prior to his reentry.
In an interview upon his return, Kiama expressed a strong conviction that a response is unnecessary. He asserts that he possess a contractual agreement with the institution spanning a duration of five years, and as such, he is under no obligation to seek permission before returning to the institution.
On September 2, in a fresh twist of events, the council unexpectedly cancelled a scheduled meeting whose intention was on addressing the matter of Kiama’s reinstatement.
On September 1, a notification was released to inform about the next meeting. This announcement came after a private conversation between Amukowa Anangwe, the chairperson of the council, and Prof. Julius Ogengo, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor who assumed the role of Vice-Chancellor during Kiama’s absence.
Read also: Professor Kiama still steers the University of Nairobi
We Can Work Together: University Council Tells VC Kiama.