The University of Nairobi is facing a leadership crisis after the institution's council asked current Vice-Chancellor Prof Peter Mbithi to re-apply for the post, once it is advertised.
Mbithi wanted his term extended by the council before the new development.
The council under the leadership of Prof Julia Ojiambo directed Mbithi to take leave from July 6 as he awaits his fate.
The VC has been asked to re-apply for the post after the Public Service Commission (PSC) opens the vacancy.
Mbithi’s application was declined after the council held a special meeting on Thursday to determine the next leadership.
The letter of request from the current VC was reviewed by different parties.
“As you are aware, there were amendments to the Universities Act 2012, which came into force in January 2019. The amendment rendered circular NoOP/CAB.9/1A dated November 23, 2010, referred to in the letter redundant. Consequently, within the current legislative framework, the council is not in a position to consider, approve and recommend your re-appointment as requested in your letter dated May 19,” read part of the letter, as quoted by Nation.
A section of the members of the university wants Mbithi to be sent home on grounds of poor performance.
This is not the first time the council has rejected appeals of VCs to retain their positions. Efforts by former Education Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed to appoint three DVCs for the post were rejected.
Mohammed had in January appointed Prof Julius Ogengo, Prof Lydia Njenga, Prof Jama Mohamud, and Prof William Ogara but their applications were declined by the council.
The council faulted the former CS for not taking into account the council's initial list.