HIGH COURT STOPS KENYATTA UNIVERSITY FROM APPOINTING NEW VICE CHANCELLOR

The High Court has temporarily barred Kenyatta University from appointing a new Vice Chancellor, dealing a significant blow to an already contested leadership process at the institution.

The orders were issued by Justice Njoki Mwangi following an urgent application filed by Professor Waceke Wanjohi, the university’s Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs.

In her ruling, Justice Mwangi directed that the leave granted to the applicant operates as a temporary injunction, effectively stopping the university and relevant authorities from filling the Vice Chancellor position.

Professor Wanjohi moved to court to challenge what she terms as irregularities in the recruitment process. She filed judicial review proceedings against the Education Cabinet Secretary, the Public Service Commission, the Office of the Attorney General, and the university council.

According to court documents, the dispute stems from interviews conducted in March 2026 for the top position at the university. Wanjohi claims she emerged as the leading candidate after a competitive selection process.

She alleges that despite the interview panel recommending her for appointment, the relevant authorities have failed to act on those recommendations.

Instead, Wanjohi contends that the university council, alongside the Public Service Commission, initiated disciplinary proceedings against her, actions she argues could undermine her candidacy.

In her petition, she is seeking orders of mandamus to compel the Education Cabinet Secretary to implement the panel’s recommendations and to make public the interview results, including the scores of all candidates.

The case now sets the stage for a legal showdown that could determine not only the leadership of Kenyatta University but also raise broader questions about transparency and fairness in public university appointments.