The Council of the University of Nairobi has appointed Prof. Margret Jesang Hutchinson as the acting Vice-Chancellor of the institution, effective Friday, August 2, 2024.
Prof. Jesang, who previously served as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation, and Enterprise, will hold the position for a period of three months.
The council’s decision comes in response to the suspension of Prof. Stephen Kiama Gitahi, the former Vice-Chancellor, who has been suspended pending the conclusion of a disciplinary process.
In a formal communique to the university community, the council announced that Prof. Kiama’s suspension is effective immediately.
In addition to Prof. Jesang’s appointment, the council has also named Prof. Ayub Njoroge Gitau as the acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academic Affairs.
These changes are part of a broader shake-up within the university administration following ongoing tensions between Prof. Kiama and the council.
The situation between Prof. Kiama and the university council has been marked by a series of conflicts, with the council having previously placed him on compulsory leave on several occasions.
Despite these challenges, Prof. Kiama had managed to return to his role each time, underscoring the persistent friction within the institution’s leadership.
