Peter Mbithi

Peter Mulwa Felix Mbithi (born 4 July 1956) is a Kenyan veterinary surgeon, academic and former academic administrator, who served as the 7th Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nairobi (UoN), Kenya's oldest public university, from January 2015,[1] until July 2019.[2] Before he became Vice Chancellor, he served as Deputy Vice Chancellor at UoN, responsible for Finance and Administration.[3]

Peter Mbithi
Born (1956-07-04) 4 July 1956
Kangundo, Machakos County, Kenya
NationalityKenyan
CitizenshipKenya
Alma materUniversity of Nairobi
(Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine)
(Master of Science in Veterinary Clinical Studies)
(Doctor of Philosophy)
University of Saskatchewan
(Master of Veterinary Science)
Years active1983 – present
Home townKangundo
TitleFormer Vice Chancellor
University of Nairobi

Early life and education

Mbithi was born in Kangundo, Machakos County. In 1983, he obtained a Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine, from the University of Nairobi. In 1985, he obtained a Master of Science degree in Veterinary Clinical Studies, also from the UoN. Two years later he was awarded his third degree, a Master of Veterinary Science, by the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. He attended a residency course at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, from 1986 until 1987. His fourth and terminal degree, a Doctor of Philosophy, was obtained from the University of Nairobi in 1995. His thesis was on studies on pseudoarthrosis of the bovine metacarpophalangeal joints. His research interests are clinical veterinary medicine and orthopedic surgery, wounding and traumatology with special interest in lameness, joint surgery and arthritides.[4]

Career

Prior to his appointment as Vice Chancellor, Mbithi was a professor of Veterinary Medicine, at the UoN. He held various administrative posts there, including Chairman of the Department of Veterinary Clinical Studies, Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Studies and Principal of the College of Veterinary Sciences.[5]

In his position as Vice Chancellor, Mbithi frequently acted as the University's media spokesperson and was called upon to speak at formal events.[6] He also served as chair of the Inter-Public Universities Councils Consultative Forum (IPUCCF) Negotiations Committee during staff salary negotiations.[7] In 2015 he was in the news because of disagreements with his deputy vice chancellor, who was subsequently recommended for dismissal.[8]

In 2016 Mbithi was threatened with ejection from the Kenya Universities Staff Union over disagreements about staff employment benefits.[9] He was also the target of student protests over the university's policies concerning student residences.[10]

In the end, the University Council of the UoN, rejected Mbithi's request for a contract extension. The Council then directed him to proceed on terminal leave in July 2019, six months before the expiry of his contractual tenure.[11] He was replaced in acting capacity by Professor Isaac Mbeche, until a substantive vice-chancellor is appointed.[12]

Other considerations

On 12 December 2008 during Jamhuri Day celebrations Mbithi was awarded Elder of the Order of the Burning Spear (EBS) by former Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki.[13]

Succession table as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nairobi
Preceded by
George Magoha
2005 – 2015		 Vice Chancellor of the University of Nairobi
2015 – 2019		 Succeeded by
Stephen Kiama
2020 – 2025
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References
  1. Joseph Muraya (1 December 2014). "Mbithi replaces Magoha as UoN Vice Chancellor". Nairobi: 98.4 Capital FM. Retrieved 28 February 2020.
  2. Faith Nyamai (5 July 2019). "CS Magoha meets new UoN VC as Mbithi hands over". Daily Nation. Nairobi. Retrieved 28 February 2020.
  3. Peter Kiragu (16 July 2012). "Kenya: UoN Deputy VC In Bitter Family Row" (via AllAfrica.com). The Star (Kenya). Nairobi. Retrieved 28 February 2020.
  4. "University of Nairobi Personal Websites". University of Nairobi Personal Websites. Retrieved 28 May 2020.
  5. "University of Nairobi Personal Websites". University of Nairobi Personal Websites. Retrieved 25 May 2020.
  6. Christabel Ligami (9 September 2016). "Report highlights dire shortage of professors and PhDs". London: University World News. Retrieved 28 February 2020.
  7. Lordrick Mayabi (7 September 2012). "Lecturers reject 0.5pc pay offer". Nairobi: 98.4 Capital FM. Retrieved 28 February 2020.
  8. Augustine Oduor (14 August 2015). "University of Nairobi chiefs, Vice Chancellor Peter Mbithi and his deputy Bernard Njoroge, row on management". The Standard (Kenya). Nairobi. Retrieved 28 February 2020.
  9. Nancy Agutu and Patrick Vidija (14 January 2016). "Union threatens to eject UoN VC Mbithi over unpaid risk allowances". The Star (Kenya). Nairobi. Retrieved 28 February 2020.
  10. William Mwangi (15 May 2016). "UoN students burn property in demo for VC Mbithi's removal". The Star (Kenya). Nairobi. Retrieved 28 February 2020.
  11. Ouma Wanzala (27 June 2019). "Varsity council rejects Prof Mbithi's bid to extend term". Daily Nation. Nairobi. Retrieved 28 February 2020.
  12. Ouma Wanzala (1 July 2019). "Salary uncertainty for UoN staff as Mbithi is replaced". Daily Nation. Nairobi. Retrieved 8 February 2020.
  13. "Kenya Law | Kenya Gazette". kenyalaw.org. Retrieved 25 May 2020.
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