Ministry of Education revokes Prof. Amukowa Anangwe’s appointment as Chair of UoN Council

The Ministry of Education has officially revoked the appointment of Prof. Amukowa Anangwe as the Chairperson of the University of Nairobi (UoN) Council. This decision was communicated in a gazette notice dated February 21, 2025, by Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba.

According to the notice, “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 the Chairperson of the Council of the University of Nairobi, with effect from the 21st February 2025.”

Following this announcement, tensions have escalated between the university’s administration and the University Academic Staff Union (UASU). The institution’s management accused UASU of ulterior motives, claiming that their call for Anangwe’s removal is intended to protect corrupt union members and impede the ongoing reforms at the university.

The university’s administration criticized UASU’s threat of strikes, describing it as a “diversionary tactic” aimed at undermining ongoing investigations involving certain union officials. In a statement issued by John Orindi, Director of Corporate Affairs, the administration urged university staff to avoid actions that could disrupt the institution’s progress.

Orindi expressed concern that some individuals, benefiting from the existing status quo, are resisting necessary reforms and attempting to perpetuate malpractice and corruption. He stated, “We strongly believe that the threats being issued are diversionary tactics intended to impede the transformation agenda of the University and to protect specific individuals within the Union facing investigations for alleged financial impropriety.”

Additionally, the university denied the allegations against Prof. Anangwe, labeling them as “baseless,” and reiterated that all decisions made by the institution follow established lawful processes within its governance structure.