The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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At least five individuals have been shortlisted for the position of Vice Chancellor at the University of Nairobi, following the abrupt departure of Prof. Stephen Kiama.
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The shortlisted candidates, as per the Public Service Commission (PSC), include Professors James Njiru, Duke Orata, Bitange Ndemo, Ayub Njoroge Gitau, and Francis Jackim Mulaa. Professor John Demesi Mande, the sixth applicant, was not selected.
The interviews for these five candidates are scheduled for March 21, 2025.
“The shortlisted candidates will be interviewed at the Public Service Commission, Harambee Avenue, Nairobi, at the specified time. They are expected to arrive at least 20 minutes before the scheduled start,” the PSC stated.
Only six candidates applied for the advertised position, which was posted on January 21, 2025. The PSC has advised the candidates to bring the originals of their national ID cards, academic and professional certificates, transcripts, and any other supporting documents. Additionally, they must provide a Letter of Recognition of Qualifications from the Commission for University Education (CUE) for any degrees obtained from foreign institutions.
The PSC has also requested the public to submit any credible information related to the shortlisted candidates (through sworn affidavits) to the Secretary/CEO of the Public Service Commission, 4th floor, Commission House, Harambee Avenue, Nairobi, or online at hodrands@publicservice.go.ke by March 19, 2025.
Throughout much of 2024, the University of Nairobi experienced leadership conflicts between the former Vice Chancellor, Prof. Stephen Kiama, and the University’s Council, led by Amukowa Anangwe. The Council had repeatedly placed Kiama on compulsory leave, but he contested these decisions, claiming he remained the rightful officeholder.
In October 2024, Council Chair Prof. Amukowa Anangwe, in a memo dated October 14, 2024, announced the termination of Kiama’s services. “The Council wishes to inform the university community that Prof. Stephen Gitahi Kiama’s services as an employee of the University of Nairobi were terminated effective September 27, 2024,” Anangwe stated. The reasons for Kiama’s dismissal were not disclosed, although Anangwe confirmed that they had been communicated to him directly.
Kiama had been appointed Vice Chancellor of the University of Nairobi on January 5, 2020, for a five-year term, succeeding Prof. Isaac Mbeche, who had served as acting VC since July 2019, following the compulsory leave of Prof. Peter Mbithi. Prior to his appointment, Kiama had served as the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Human Resource and Administration, and Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance, Planning, and Development.
