Education CS revokes appointment of UoN Council Chair Amukowa Anangwe after UASU strike notice

The Ministry of Education has annulled the appointment of Prof. Amukowa Anangwe as the University of Nairobi Council chairperson.

In a gazette notice dated Friday, February 21, 2025, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba cancelled Prof Amukowa’s role as UoN Council chair effective immediately.

 “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,” read the notice.

CS Ogamba's order comes days after the University Academic Staff Union (UASU) threatened to stage protests demanding the removal of Prof Anangwe over alleged interference and sabotage of the varsity’s operations.

On Wednesday, UASU members issued a 7-day ultimatum demanding the removal of Council Chair Anangwe over alleged interference and sabotage of the varsity’s operations.

Led by the Chairperson of the UoN chapter Dr Richard Bosire, UASU issued a 7-day ultimatum and asked the Education CS to send the Council packing immediately, arguing that it is hampering operations and stopping the acting Vice-Chancellor from actualising her responsibilities.

“We call upon CS Migos Ogamba to take quick action because we are not ready to watch and see the university die before our eyes,” warned Bosire.

According to Bosire, powerful government officials have hatched a plot to seize the university's land which hosts graduate apartments.

The land in question is nestled opposite the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) and near Hotel Boulevard along James Gichuru Road.

The Council later fired back at the Union officials over the strike threats, accusing UASU of having ulterior motives for their quest.

The institution’s management claimed UASU’s demand that Amukowa be removed was merely intended to protect some corrupt members in the union and hinder the ongoing transformation of the institution.

It termed the planned strike a “diversionary tactic” aimed at paralysing the institution and derailing ongoing investigations involving some union officials.

“It is concerning that in the face of these challenges, some disgruntled elements that have benefitted illegally from the current status quo are resisting the necessary reforms in order to perpetuate malpractice, corruption and abuse of office. We urge the university staff to refrain from perpetuating strikes to disrupt the university’s progress,” read the statement by Director of Corporate Affairs John Orindi.

“We strongly believe that the threats being issued belatedly are diversionary tactics intended to impede the transformation agenda of the University, and to protect certain individuals within the Union who are facing investigations for disciplinary actions related to allegations of financial impropriety.”

It also denied allegations levelled against Anangwe, terming them ‘baseless’, as it outlined different roles of its organs including the Council, the Chancellor and the Vice-Chancellor further emphasizing that any decisions made by the institution underwent all the lawful channels.