Why Kenyatta University VC Prof. Paul Wainaina Has Resigned
The Vice-Chancellor of Kenyatta University, Prof. Paul Wainaina, resigned days after President Uhuru Kenyatta warned that action would be taken against the institution’s management over a land dispute that the government had allowed for the construction of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) African regional operations and logistics hub.
Prof. Wainaina is said to have been opposed to the government’s decision to allow WHO to set up the hub on the grounds adjacent to the Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral, and Research Hospital (KUTRH).
During a groundbreaking ceremony for the project on Saturday, a visibly agitated President Kenyatta lectured the university management, telling them that the land is public property and that they are merely custodians of it.
The President went on to warn that those who oppose the project would be dealt with “quickly and effectively.”
“Some people don’t just seem to get it. It is not your property. It is public property. You are just a caretaker. And when you recognize that, and also recognize a whole government approach. Then you also recognize that Kenya has never operated in isolation.
“Kenya is a respected member of the global community. On top of that, Kenya throughout her history is recognized as a very strong supporter of our multi-lateral institution,” said Kenyatta.
"… we shall deal with those people swiftly and very effectively. Tutaenda nyumbani na wao. We can’t have people operating as individuals.”
The event’s high-profile guests included WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus.
Prof. Wainaina’s replacement will be announced by the University Council.
Prof. Wainaina believes that the decision to cede a portion of the land to WHO was not in the best interests of the university because no consultations were conducted.
Kenyatta University and the Kenyatta University Teaching and Referral Hospital are at odds over ownership of the property in question.
On Saturday, President Kenyatta announced that the government has allocated 30 acres of land adjacent to KUTRRH and committed USD 5 million (Ksh.600 million) to the hub’s operationalization to facilitate its start-up.
He also stated that the government has provided WHO with rent-free office space at the KUTRRH to house the initial staff component of up to 150 officers required to begin preparations for the hub’s establishment.
“This space has been identified on the Training Research and Innovation (TRIC) building of the KUTRRH,” President Kenyatta said.
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Kenya is one of three African countries chosen by the WHO to host a logistics hub that will be equipped with emergency medical personnel, commodities, and equipment to assist countries in Eastern Africa experiencing emergencies.
Senegal and Nigeria are the other two African countries chosen to host the WHO hubs, which will also be centers of excellence in emergency medical training capable of responding to more than 100 crises at the same time.
Why Kenyatta University VC Prof. Paul Wainaina Has Resigned
