The High Court has temporarily stopped Kenyatta University from appointing a new Vice Chancellor following a legal challenge over the recent recruitment process.
Justice Njoki Mwangi issued the orders after an application 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 operates as a temporary injunction, restraining the respondents from filling the Vice Chancellor position or appointing any other person apart from the applicant, pending the hearing and determination of the case.
Professor Wanjohi has filed judicial review proceedings against the Ministry of Education Kenya, Public Service Commission Kenya, Office of the Attorney General Kenya, and the university council, challenging the handling and outcome of interviews conducted in March 2026.
According to court documents, Wanjohi argues that she emerged as the top candidate in the competitive recruitment process. However, she claims the relevant authorities have failed to implement the interview panel’s recommendations or release the results, including candidates’ scores.
She further alleges that instead of finalising her appointment, the university council, in collaboration with the Public Service Commission, has initiated disciplinary proceedings against her, which she says are intended to undermine her candidacy.
In her application, Wanjohi is seeking orders compelling the Education Cabinet Secretary to implement the panel’s recommendations and officially release the recruitment results. She is also asking the court to prohibit the appointment of any other candidate and to halt disciplinary action against her.
Additionally, she wants the court to quash a decision contained in a letter dated April 16, 2026, which allegedly authorised disciplinary proceedings.
Justice Mwangi also issued interim orders suspending any disciplinary action against Wanjohi pending the determination of the case.
The court directed that the substantive motion be filed and served within 14 days from April 23, 2026, with the matter scheduled for mention on May 20, 2026.
Wanjohi maintains that the actions taken against her violate her constitutional right to a fair hearing under Article 50, warning that the case risks being overtaken by events if the position is filled before its conclusion.
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