A Laikipia University professor is seeking judicial intervention after her contract was terminated, alleging unfair dismissal. Prof Loise Wanjiku Chiuri filed a lawsuit against the institution, demanding reinstatement to her position as associate professor of environmental science and compensation for what she claims was unlawful termination.
Chiuri's legal action stems from her appointment as deputy vice-chancellor for academic affairs and research in November 2015, which ended in 2020. She also held a permanent associate professor position (grade 14) in environmental science since 2018. The university council rejected her contract renewal and nullified her academic role, citing failure to report to the Department of Public Administration and Environmental Sciences within three months as required by law.
Chiuri disputed these claims, stating she fulfilled her duties from the start of her appointment, including teaching, exam administration, grading, and supervising PhD students. She seeks court declaration that her dismissal was unjustified and illegal, along with back pay from December 2020. Her claims include Sh2 million in gratuity for the DVC role, Sh1.6 million in lieu of three months' notice, and Sh6 million in damages for reputational harm.
The university's legal team defended the decision, arguing Chiuri's associate professor appointment was irregular and her termination was a corrective measure. They have requested the court dismiss the case with costs.
