Ogamba fires then reappoints 4 UoN council members to other varsities

Education CS Julius Ogamba. /FILE

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has revoked the appointment of four members of the Council of the University of Nairobi.

In a gazette notice dated April 11, 2025, Ogamba said the revocation takes effective immediately.

“In exercise of the powers conferred by section 36 (1) (d) 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— Sally Ngeringwony Toroitich, Ahmed Sheikh Abdullahi, Parmain Ole Narikae (Dr.), Carren Kerubo Omwenga, as Members of the Council of the University of Nairobi, with effect from the 11th April, 2025,” the notice reads.

In a twist, the CS reappointed the former University of Nairobi  Council members to serve in other universities in the same capacity.

Sally Ngeringwony Toroitich will now serve as a Member of the Council of the University of Embu, up to May 22, 2026.

Dr Parmain ole Narikae becomes a member of the Council of the University of Eldoret, while Carren Kerubo Omwenga will serve in the Council of the Karatina University.

Ahmed Sheikh Abdullahi has been appointed to join the Council of the Mama Ngina University College.

The changes come amid internal strife over the leadership and governance of the UoN that has played out even in the public fora.

In February, the Ministry of Education annulled the appointment of Prof Amukowa Anangwe as the Council chairperson.

The annulment followed a strong push from the University Academic Staff Union (UASU).

UASU had accused Anangwe of interfering with university operations and blocking the acting Vice Chancellor from carrying out her duties.

The lecturers demanded the dissolution of the council as part of reforms aimed at improving efficiency and effectiveness.

Anangwe was later on reinstated by the High Court after he challenged his dismissal.

Justice Bahati Mwamuye ordered Anangwe back to office after suspending a gazette notice issued by the CS for Education that had revoked Anangwe's appointment.

Meanwhile, CS Ogamba has appointed Asteri Angolo to be a member of the National Biosafety Authority, for a period of three years, with effect from April 11, 2025.