UoN staff threaten strike, accuse Chancellor and Council of mismanagement

Trouble is brewing once again at the University of Nairobi (UoN) following allegations of mismanagement, poor governance and the looming threat of a staff strike.

The University Academic Staff Union (UASU) – UoN Chapter Wednesday issued a seven-day strike notice demanding that the government urgently address allegations of abuse of office by Chancellor and University Council Chairman, Amukowa Anangwe, who should also be removed from office.

Speaking at a press briefing, Dr. Richard Bosire, Chairperson of the UoN Chapter, highlighted a range of issues including a deepening leadership crisis, which they attribute to the existence of “three centres of power,” financial irregularities, interference in management, and a toxic work environment.

He accused the two of conspiring to mismanage the university and called for an immediate investigation by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC).

He also pointed out that the university council is obstructing operations, particularly by hindering the acting vice-chancellor from fulfilling her duties.

“ Prof Anangwe is on record even calling Deans to give operational direction to faculties!! This level of interference in the running of the University is unprecedented in its overreach”.

He urged the Education Committee of Parliament to censure Prof. Anangwe whose appointment was invalidated by the court and his Council members for running the University of Nairobi (UoN) “like a kiosk,” and called on the Cabinet Secretary to take immediate action to end the toxic environment.

Bosire warned that the public institution is on the brink of collapse if the government does not intervene swiftly.

He said the Chancellor was weakening the university’s management by interfering in daily operations and making key decisions with far-reaching implications without proper consultation.

He specifically criticised a 24-month transformational strategy by the Chancellor, which was adopted by the Council, proposing the creation of special-purpose vehicles to evaluate university assets, with plans to sell them off to pay outstanding debts.

The document also suggests that the university council should hold bi-monthly meetings, a cost that would be borne by the university.

Additionally, the Chancellor is accused of relocating to a high-end house funded by the university, along with a security detail at the institution’s expense.

“This document is full of bluster and illegalities, contravening the University Charter, University Statutes, and attempts to impose actions that the Staff is unaware of, uninvolved, and, we fear, prepares the University properties especially land for an auction” he claimed.

He explained that UoN has a known five-year strategic plan approved by both the treasury and education ministries launched after public participation.

“This is straight-up thuggery and a complete departure from fiscal fidelity. The document burdens the University” he said.

“The University of Nairobi is dying because of looting. Public universities must get the protection they need, you cannot sell your home to pay off a debt, you will become destitute. We urge the CS to take urgent action, We should not wait until we get to where Moi University is” he stated.

Another demand is the revocation of the Chief Operations Officer position, a matter the anti-graft body actioned.

“The Public Service Commission has never created such a position, the University of Nairobi Charter and its statutes do not have such a position, and no other public university in Kenya does” the union observed.

Source:  Nancy Okware