This archive report was first published on 4 January 2020.
As students at the University of Nairobi prepare to start the new semester on Monday, anxiety is mounting over the appointment of a new Vice-Chancellor. The current Acting VC, Isaac Mbeche, is set to leave office on Sunday, but his name is missing from the list of three candidates forwarded to the Ministry of Education for appointment by President Uhuru Kenyatta.
According to the Public Service Commission (PSC), eight candidates were interviewed on December 18, and the results have already been forwarded to the university council. PSC Chairman Stephen Kirogo confirmed that the council will select three candidates for appointment by the President.
The candidates who were interviewed include Prof Mbeche, Prof Bernard Njoroge, Prof Madara Ogot, Prof Stephen Kiama, Prof Patricia Mbote, Prof Kareithi Nduati, Prof Elijah Omwenga, and Prof Solomon Shibairo. However, the University Staff Academic Union (Uasu) – Nairobi chapter is demanding that the names of the three appointees be made public, citing the University Amendment Act 2018.
Education CS George Magoha has been urged to release the list of nominees, with the Uasu Secretary, George Omondi, stating that the council is not allowed to be involved in the process of appointing the new VC. The university council, chaired by Prof Julia Ojiambo, is required to select and forward the names of the three candidates to the CS for onward transmission to the President.
President Kenyatta will ultimately pick one person from the list of three nominees. The appointment process has been marred by controversy, with Prof Mbithi being asked to take compulsory leave on July 6 to allow investigations into corruption allegations.
