Margaret Hutchinson has officially taken over the leadership of the University of Nairobi as Acting Vice Chancellor.
In a statement on Monday, the University said the takeover was witnessed by the institution's Council.
She takes over from Stephen Kiama.
"The Council of the University of Nairobi led by its Chair Prof. Amukowa Anangwe today witnessed the taking over of office by the Ag Vice Chancellor Margret Hutchinson.
"Hutchinson was appointed to the position of Ag VC on Friday, August 2, 2024, following the suspension of Stephen Kiama Gitahi," the University said.
Hutchinson is a Horticulturalist and Senior Lecturer at the University of Nairobi with over 30 years of experience in the Agriculture sector.
The University's Council also announced changes in the management of the institution.
Ayub Gitau, former Dean Faculty of Engineering has been appointed as Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs.
Francis Mulaa, Former Associate Dean Faculty of Science and Technology will be the acting Deputy Vice Chancellor, Research Innovation and Enterprise.
Kiama was appointed VC in 2020, taking over from Peter Mbithi.
He was appointed to serve for five years, until 2025.
Prior to his appointment as Vice Chancellor; he served as the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Human Resource and Administration and the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor In-charge of Finance, Planning and Development.
He was also Principal College of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences from 2016 to 2019, Director of Wangari Maathai Institute for Peace and Environmental Studies from 2010 to 2016, Chairman of the Department of Veterinary Anatomy and Physiology from 2005—2010, Acting dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in 2014 and Associate Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine from 2003-2010.
The University has in the recent past been hit by leadership wrangles between the Council and Kiama.
This saw the Council send Kiama for compulsory leave.
