The Employment and Labour Court has ordered the reinstatement of Professor Paul K. Wainaina as Vice Chancellor of Kenyatta University, effectively nullifying the Kenyatta University Council’s decision to send him on leave.

Professor Wainaina was initially placed on compulsory leave in April 2024 due to accumulated leave days, a move he challenged in court, arguing that his removal was politically motivated and unlawful.

The university council had extended his leave beyond the original period and appointed Professor Waceke Wanjohi as acting Vice Chancellor.

However, Professor Wainaina contested this, filing a suit against multiple government bodies and the university council, claiming the process violated his rights and was influenced by disputes related to university land.

The Public Service Commission (PSC) had declared the Vice Chancellor’s position vacant and invited applications for the role, unaware that Professor Wainaina’s contract was valid until January 2026.

PSC’s CEO Paul Famba noted that Wainaina’s contract is not subject to mandatory retirement age and suggested it would be unfair to continue with an acting VC while Wainaina was willing to serve.

Following the court ruling, Professor Wainaina is expected to resume his duties at the university, with a scheduled appearance at 2 p.m. today, where staff members will receive him.

The reinstatement marks a significant development in the ongoing governance issues at Kenyatta University, underscoring the judiciary’s role in resolving institutional disputes and affirming the Vice Chancellor’s mandate until March 2026.

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