The Ministry of Education has announced a mass recruitment drive in a bid to implement changes at public universities and colleges facing leadership wrangles.
According to a notice published in the government publication MyGov, the Principal Secretary for Higher Education and Research, Beatrice Inyangala, stated that the government is in the process of recruiting chairpersons and members of councils for public universities and constituent colleges.
According to the notice, the government intends to make changes at the universities. The country has 37 chartered public universities and 6 public university constituent colleges.
“The Ministry of Education, State Department for Higher Education and Research, is in the process of recruiting chairpersons and members of councils of public universities and constituent colleges,” the notice said.
This comes amid a leadership wrangle at the University of Nairobi. Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba on Friday fired Amukowa Anangwe, the Chairperson of the UoN Council after protests from the University Academic Staff Union (UASU).
Under the Universities Act No. 42 of 2012, the governance of public universities is primarily overseen by University Councils. The Act stipulates that a public university or its constituent college must have a Council comprising nine members, appointed by the Cabinet Secretary responsible for university education.
University Councils have nine members, including the chairperson, who is appointed by the Cabinet Secretary for Education; the Higher Education Principal Secretary, who serves as an ex-officio member; and five members appointed by the Cabinet Secretary through an open process.
Another member of the Council is the Vice-Chancellor of the university, who serves as an ex-officio member and the secretary to the Council.
According to the notice published on Tuesday, the chairperson position is open to candidates with a minimum of an earned PhD from a recognised university.
The PS further stated that individuals selected for the chairperson role must demonstrate a strong track record in leadership and management, in addition to meeting the requirements outlined in Chapter Six of the Constitution.
As for members of the Council, they must hold a minimum of an earned master's degree (executive masters are not accepted) from a recognised university as well as experience in leadership and management and satisfy Chapter Six of the Constitution.
“Applicants should not be public servants or active members of any university faculty (both public and private),” the notice said.
According to the notice, shortlisted candidates must present the following documents at the interview: Curriculum Vitae, Identity Card, academic certificates, testimonials, and a CUE Recognition/Equation Certificate for foreign qualifications.
The notice further indicated that successful candidates must submit a certificate of good conduct, EACC clearance, HELB clearance, KRA compliance certificate, and credit bureau clearance to their appointed institution.
Applications must include an application letter stating the position, a curriculum vitae, and a copy of a national ID or valid passport. Applications are to be sent to the Ministry of Education by March 4.
