High Court Halts UoN Council Revocation Amid Governance Crisis

The High Court has suspended the government’s decision to revoke appointments of University of Nairobi (UoN) Council members, citing procedural flaws and raising alarms over a looming governance vacuum at the prestigious institution.

In a ruling delivered by Justice Lawrence Mugambi, the court issued conservatory orders stopping the execution of Gazette Notice No. 4656—dated April 11—until a full hearing is held on May 13, 2025.

“Pending hearing and determination of the Petition, this Court issues conservatory orders staying the revocation of the Petitioners’ appointments to the University of Nairobi Council,” stated Justice Mugambi, emphasizing that the case presents serious constitutional and administrative concerns.

Political Motives or Legal Missteps?

The embattled council members—Dr Parmain Ole Narikae, Carren Kerubo Omwenga, Sally Ngeringwony Toroitich, and Ahmed Sheikh Abdullahi—claim their dismissal was not only unlawful but politically motivated. Their removal occurred just before a critical Council meeting was to appoint a new Vice-Chancellor and Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs.

“The Ministry acted in blatant disregard of the Universities Act. None of the lawful grounds for revocation apply to our clients,” said lead counsel Ahmed Sheikh Abdullahi, adding that the dismissals were strategically timed to interfere with the university’s leadership transition.

Despite these removals, the same Gazette Notice reassigned the officials to other universities—Mama Ngina, Karatina, Embu, and Eldoret—for precisely the same duration left on their UoN terms. This has raised eyebrows over the legality and motives behind the reshuffle.

Quorum Crisis, Governance Paralysis

According to the petition, UoN now lacks a functional council, which under Section 36(1) of the Universities Act requires at least six members to be quorate. The current composition—comprising only the Chairperson, Principal Secretaries from Education and Treasury, and Acting VC Margaret Hutchinson—falls short.

“This places the university’s governance and academic continuity at risk,” warned the petitioners.

EACC Tightens Screws

Complicating the situation, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has summoned UoN leadership—including Acting VC Hutchinson and Council Chair Prof Amukowa Anangwe—for investigations into alleged financial misconduct. The probe focuses on irregular council allowances and questionable land leases, including prime parcels in Loresho, Spring Valley, Kibwezi, and Lower Kabete.

The University Academic Staff Union (UASU) has also called for an expanded audit, citing concerns in the Auditor-General’s report over opaque leasing practices and undisclosed income streams from university properties.

What Next?

The Cabinet Secretary for Education has been directed to file a response within five days. The case will be mentioned again on May 13, 2025, virtually before Justice Bahati Mwamuye.

As the legal drama unfolds, the future of Kenya’s oldest university hangs in the balance, with students, staff, and stakeholders waiting to see whether rule of law or political interests will shape the next chapter in UoN’s governance.

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High Court Halts UoN Council Revocation Amid Governance Crisis