Ministry to Delegate Selection Powers to Universities for VCs, DVCs, Principals and Deputy Principals.
The ministry of Education intends to provide universities with the authority to select their officials, including Chancellors, Vice Chancellors, Deputy Vice Chancellors, Principals, and Deputy Principals.
The University Council, the Cabinet Secretary, and the PSC currently select and/or appoint these officials.
According to National Education Policy, Sessional Paper 2024, this leads to delays, limits academic autonomy, and undermines accountability.
University students have previously protested decisions to choose or fire a VC, expressing their desire to be involved in the process.
After the university council placed their VC, Romanus Odhiambo, on terminal leave, students at Meru University of Science and Technology disrupted classes in March 2023 by holding demonstrations.
Students urged his return, claiming that he had enhanced standards at the college. CS Machogu reinstated him many days later.
Residents and students from Moi University took to the streets in November 2023 to demand the dismissal of VC Isaac Kosgey, citing inadequate university management and leadership.
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Ministry to Delegate Selection Powers to Universities for VCs, DVCs, Principals and Deputy Principals