National Assembly Speaker Moses WetangMula has admitted new evidence tabled by Mukurweini MP John Kaguchia regarding alleged mismanagement at the University of Nairobi (UoN). This development sets the stage for a comprehensive parliamentary probe into the claims, with Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos now expected to provide a formal response.
Authenticity of Documents Confirmed
Wetang’ula confirmed the admissibility of the documents after the Clerk of the National Assembly verified their authenticity. “I directed the Clerk to examine the documents and advise on their authenticity and admissibility, and the Clerk has since discharged that responsibility,” the Speaker noted.
The documents, sourced from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), the Commission for University Education (CUE), the University of Nairobi (UoN), and the Pontifical Urbaniana University, are now officially part of parliamentary records. Wetang’ula emphasized that the EACC and CUE documents submitted by Kaguchia were deemed both credible and admissible for the ongoing investigations.
Allegations Against UoN Leadership
MP John Kaguchia had raised serious concerns on the floor of the House about the management and operational challenges facing the University of Nairobi. His claims centered on the alleged interference by the University Council Chairperson, Professor Anangwe, in the institution’s leadership.
Among the contentious issues is the removal of Vice-Chancellor Professor Stephen Kiama, who had only four months remaining in his term. Kaguchia alleged that Professor Anangwe overstepped his authority by orchestrating this removal and transferring key officials, creating significant leadership voids.
“Honourable Speaker, Professor Anangwe seems to have removed Vice-Chancellor Prof. Stephen Kiama, even though he had only four months to complete his term,” Kaguchia stated. He further alleged that this interference disrupted the university’s stability and affected its operations.
Vacant Key Positions
The lawmaker also highlighted the alarming number of unfilled critical positions within UoN’s management. Positions such as Finance Officer, Procurement Manager, Chief Medical Officer, and Chief Security Officer remain vacant, which Kaguchia described as a potential risk to the institution’s functionality.
“The existence of unoccupied positions in management is a significant concern. It potentially wreaks havoc on the institution,” he remarked.
Previous Debate Suspension
Last week, the Speaker had suspended discussions on these allegations due to a lack of evidence to substantiate Kaguchia’s claims. The Mukurweini MP has since provided supporting documentation, which the Speaker acknowledged as sufficient to warrant further examination.
The Education CS, who had initially appeared before Parliament to address concerns raised by lawmakers, will now be tasked with responding to these allegations with greater detail.
Next Steps in the Probe
With the evidence now part of the parliamentary record, the House expects a comprehensive response from CS Julius Migos. The Speaker’s ruling underscores the gravity of the matter, as Parliament seeks accountability and transparency in the management of Kenya’s premier university.
Kaguchia’s revelations have drawn attention to broader governance and operational challenges within public universities, raising questions about oversight and leadership in higher education institutions.
Implications for UoN
The unfolding probe may have significant implications for the University of Nairobi. If substantiated, the allegations could lead to major reforms in its governance structure and operations. Conversely, the findings may also clear the current leadership of any wrongdoing, depending on the outcome of the investigations.
As Parliament awaits the Education CS’s response, stakeholders in the education sector will be keenly watching to see how the matter unfolds. The outcome could set a precedent for addressing mismanagement and leadership disputes in other public universities across the country.
This case underscores the importance of transparency and good governance in Kenya’s institutions of higher learning, which are critical for nurturing the nation’s intellectual and professional capital.
