KU Land That Cost VC His Job

Kenyatta University (KU) vice-chancellor Prof. Paul Wainaina has left his position amid a saga pitting the government against the university.

The university had opposed plans to earmark a piece of land within the institution for development of the World Health Organization (WHO) emergency hub.

VC Prof. Paul Wainaina had been directed by the Head of Civil Service Joseph Kinyua to surrender the title deed as the row between the university and the Kenyatta University Teaching and Referral Hospital (KUTRH) over the ownership of a 1,000-acre piece of land went bare-knuckled. The university decried a lack of negotiations, claiming that the land was simply hived off without consultation.

At a groundbreaking ceremony for the hub on Sunday, July 10th, President Uhuru Kenyatta hit out at public officials over land management in what was widely perceived as an attack on Wainaina.

Wainaina on Tuesday, July 12 told staff that he was leaving. Only last week, Wainaina had told press of KU’s decision not to relinquish the land.

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Prof Wainaina told staff on Tuesday morning “This is probably the last time you’ll see me addressing you as VC”.

The University Council was also reportedly dismissed, set to be replaced by new faces.

“We have individuals who are very ignorant and behave as if they have never entered a classroom… they don’t understand that Kenya has never operated in isolation. We shall deal with those individuals swiftly and very effectively,” President Kenyatta had warned.

The WHO hub is scheduled for completion in thrre years. It is expected to function as a regional hub. The Kenyan government has allocated 12.4 hectares (30.64 acres) with a committed fund of $5 million (Ksh600 million) for the project.

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