University of Nairobi Council Chair Amukowa Anangwe dismissed

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has revoked the appointment of Amukowa Anangwe as chairperson of the University of Nairobi (UoN) Council, days after staff at the institution threatened to strike.

The dismissal was announced in a gazette notice dated February 21. No replacement was named for the position.

"In exercise of the powers conferred by Section 36 (1) (a) of the Universities Act, 2012, as read together with Section 51 (1) of the Interpretation and General Provisions Act, the Cabinet Secretary for Education revokes the appointment of Amukowa Anangwe (Prof) as Chairperson of the Council of the University of Nairobi, with effect from February 21, 2025," the notice stated.

Anangwe’s removal follows mounting pressure from lecturers and lawmakers.

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UoN lecturers, through the University Academic Staff Union (UASU), had threatened to strike, demanding the dissolution of the Council as part of broader governance reforms aimed at improving efficiency and effectiveness.

The union accused Anangwe of overstepping his mandate and encroaching on the role of the vice-chancellor (VC), undermining university governance and creating confusion within the institution.

“Prof. Anangwe is behaving as if he is the vice-chancellor. He has been unilaterally issuing transfer letters, extending staff contracts at his whim, and sitting in internal interviews. This blatant overreach is unacceptable,” said UASU UoN Chapter Secretary Dr. Maloba Wekesa.

Lecturers also allege that Anangwe disregarded directives from the Chief of Staff and the Head of Public Service, which outline the separation of powers between the University Council and the institution’s management. They argue that his interference has led to mismanagement, with several senior positions now held in an acting capacity under his influence.

“If Prof. Anangwe wants to be Vice-Chancellor, let him apply for the job instead of usurping roles that are not his. We are calling on the Education Committee of Parliament to censure him, and the Cabinet Secretary must intervene before the situation worsens,” Wekesa said.

On Thursday this week, Members of Parliament directed the Ministry of Education to report within seven days on measures taken to address the leadership crisis.

The National Assembly Committee on Education criticised the ministry for failing to act amid the ongoing leadership struggles.

“We are directing the Education Ministry to submit a report on the University of Nairobi within seven days. This committee demands action now," acting committee Chair and Kisii Women representative Jerusha Momanyi said.

Kitutu Masaba MP Clive Gisairo also accused Anangwe of overstepping his mandate, making unilateral appointments violating the Universities Act.

“One person—the council chairman, Amukowa Anangwe—is acting as the entire council. In one instance, we saw a letter directing for the postponement of the Dean election and while the law allows the current Dean to continue acting, he chose to appoint an acting dean,” Gisairo said.

Nabii Nabwera, a member of the Education Committee, warned that the leadership crisis threatens the university’s stability.

“We are telling you the problem—the University of Nairobi council has installed itself as an executive. There has been a silent coup at the university,” Nabii Nabwire, Lugari MP stated.

It has now emerged that Anangwe may appeal the dismissal on Monday.

He was appointed as chair of the council on May 24, 2023.