The University of Nairobi Council has officially installed Professor Margret Hutchinson as the new acting Vice Chancellor following Professor Stephen Kiama’s suspension over gross misconduct.

The council, led by its Chair, Prof. Amukowa Anangwe, also named Prof. Ayub Gitau, former Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, as the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs.

Similarly, it appointed Francis Mulaa, former Associate Dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology, as Deputy Vice Chancellor of Research Innovation and Enterprise in an acting capacity.

Anawagwe stated that Kiama was suspended for three months on August 2, 2024, after failing to take a 60-day leave as the council had earlier demanded.

“It should be noted that this matter is being handled differently, previously he had been granted a 60-day leave. However, he refused to take it. According to his contract, he should not accrue more than 90 leave days over the duration of the contract, but he has exceeded this limit. So he should note that this is different,” he said.

During its recent meeting on August 2, 2024, the council resolved to suspend Vice-Chancellor Professor Stephen Kiama for three months, pending ongoing investigations into his conduct, including allegations of misconduct and insubordination.

It also decided to undertake disciplinary action on insubordination and gross misconduct, instructing all staff and students not to engage with him on official university matters.