The University of Nairobi on Monday appointed Prof. Mbeche Meroka as the institution’s acting Vice Chancellor to replace Prof. Peter Mbithi who was sent on terminal leave by the University Council last week.
The replacement comes after the council asked Prof. Mbithi to re-apply for the position once it is advertised by the Public service Commission (PSC).
Prof. Mbithi earlier wrote to the institution’s Council chairperson Dr Julia Ojiambo outlining 13 reasons why he deserves to be reappointed despite opposition from some lecturers.
Prof. Mbithi said in the last four-and a-half years, the university has made major progress.
“The university has registered commendable gains under my leadership. This bears testament to the resilience and innovation of the university and by default, its management,” Mbithi said in a seven-page letter seen by K24 Tv.
“If reappointed, I will continue to work closely with the Council to catapult the university onto a higher trajectory to scholarly excellence,” he added.
Mbithi was appointed on December 1, 2014 for a five-year term with effect from January 6, 2015, with his first term expected to end in January 5, 2020.
He said Section 39(3) of the Universities Act 2012 provides that the Vice Chancellor of public universities hold office for a term of five years and is eligible for reappointment for a further five years and it against this statute Mbithi is seeking another term.
