Prof. Kiama Forced to Go On Leave by University Council
The University of Nairobi (UoN) Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Stephen Kiama, has been directed by the university council to resume his six-month leave, which he had cut short and returned to work.
Initially, on July 7, the council granted Kiama’s request for a six-month leave starting from August 1, 2023, and Deputy VC Julius Ogeng’o was appointed acting VC during his absence.
However, Kiama returned to work on September 1, before completing 161 of his 180 days of leave. In a letter dated September 22, the council informed Kiama that he was still on leave and should refrain from performing his office duties starting September 25, reiterating that their decision to grant him leave remained unchanged.
The council chairperson, Prof. Amukowa Anangwe, criticized Kiama’s move to resume duty, deeming it unprocedural, untenable, and unacceptable to the council.
Also Read:Â UoN VC Prof Kiama Reports Back before Sabbatical leave Ends
Kiama had initially applied for the six-month leave on July 18, 2023, citing his busy schedule since taking office in January 2020 and his desire to utilize all his leave days before his contract expires in 2025.
The Head of Public Service, Felix Koskei, issued a directive on September 21, mandating all public service officers with accumulated leave to take their leave, with a limit of 15 leave days carried forward as of June 30, 2024, and no leave days to be compensated with money.
Kiama’s leave had previously sparked protests from the University of Nairobi Students Association, who called for his recall, arguing that the approval of his leave lacked sufficient information and was untimely given the university’s upcoming commitments.
Prof. Kiama Forced to Go On Leave by University Council
