This archive report was first published on 8 September 2019.
As the academic year begins, Kenyans are keeping a close eye on Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha, following a growing trend of public universities operating without substantive heads.
According to an assessment, an increasing number of public universities are running without substantive heads, highlighting a widening rift between top education ministry bosses and the councils overseeing the institutions of higher learning.
University of Nairobi leads the list, with all four top managers holding their positions in acting capacity after the council rejected appointments made by former Education Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed early this year.
Prof Isaac Mbeche has been holding the position as acting vice-chancellor of University of Nairobi since the exit of Prof Peter Mbithi in July, following a decision by the university council to send him home six months before the end of his contract to allow for recruitment.
Other universities, including Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Multimedia University of Science and Technology, Taita Taveta University, Jomo Kenyatta University of Science and Technology, Garissa University, Moi University, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University, Kibabii University, and Laikipia University, are also facing similar challenges.
