This archive report was first published on 8 October 2019.
On October 8, 2019, Labour Court Judge Stephen Radido delivered a major victory to the University of Nairobi council in a long-standing dispute over the appointment of four deputy vice-chancellors.
The dispute began in January 2019 when then Education Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed appointed William Ogara, Jama Mohamud, Lydia Njenga, and Julius Ogengo to the positions, despite the University of Nairobi council having recommended different candidates.
The council had recommended Isaac Mbeche as DVC Finance, Planning and Development, Stephen Kiama as deputy vice-chancellor human resource and administration, Madara for Research, Production and Extension, and Julius Ogeng'o to lead Academic Affairs.
Justice Radido declared the appointments null and void, stating that the Cabinet Secretary's failure to act on the council's recommendations violated the Constitution.
He issued an order of mandamus, compelling the Cabinet Secretary to issue appointment letters to the individuals recommended by the University Council, who had emerged top in the competitive interview process.
Failure by the Cabinet Secretary to act on the recommendations would result in the order of the court standing, with the council's recommended candidates being appointed.
The case was filed by activist Okiya Omtatah and was delivered on Monday, October 7, 2019.
