The directive temporarily freezes the recruitment process following an application filed by the institution’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Professor Waceke Wanjohi, who is seeking to block any appointment other than herself to the position.
Delivering the ruling, Lady Justice Njoki Mwangi ordered that the respondents—Cabinet Secretary for Education Julius Migos Ogamba, the PSC, and the university council—are restrained from filling the vacant Vice Chancellor position pending the hearing and determination of the case.
The court stated that the leave granted to Professor Waceke shall operate as a temporary injunction, effectively halting any further steps toward appointing a successor at the institution until the matter is fully heard.
Professor Waceke, who has served as Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at Kenyatta University for the past five years, argues that she emerged as the top candidate in the selection process. She claims she performed strongly during interviews held on March 25, 2026, and was reportedly ranked the best among the applicants.
Through her lawyer, Chris Mutuku, she contends that despite her performance, there have been deliberate efforts to sideline her from the appointment process. She further alleges that disciplinary proceedings initiated against her are procedurally flawed and strategically timed to disqualify her from consideration.
The application argues that the PSC’s directive to the university council to commence disciplinary action is unlawful and violates principles of fair administrative process. It further claims that the proceedings are intended to suspend her and ultimately exclude her from contention for the Vice Chancellor role.
According to the filing, the timing and nature of the disciplinary process are “calculated” to prevent her appointment, effectively barring her from consideration for what could be a long-term academic leadership position.
The court has directed Professor Waceke to file a substantive judicial review application within 14 days, while the matter has been scheduled for mention on May 20, 2026, for further directions.
The ruling maintains the status quo at Kenyatta University as the legal contest over one of Kenya’s top academic leadership positions moves into its next phase.