NAIROBI, Kenya – The National Assembly Education Committee has endorsed a shift in the process of appointing chancellors for public universities.
If the Universities (Amendment) Bill, 2024, sponsored by Kilifi North MP Owen Baya, becomes law, the Education Cabinet Secretary and the Public Service Commission (PSC) will no longer have a role in the appointments.
Under the proposed framework, university senates will spearhead the recruitment process and directly submit three shortlisted candidates to the President, who will then have 21 days to appoint one as chancellor.
This departure from the current multi-layered approach aims to streamline the process and ensure timely leadership transitions in public universities.
The Bill stipulates that the recruitment process should commence six months before the incumbent’s term expires.
The university senate, in consultation with stakeholders, will identify suitable candidates, ensuring at least one nominee is of either gender.
“Public universities have struggled to attract suitable candidates due to the protracted recruitment process currently in place,” the committee, led by Tinderet MP Julius Melly, noted.
They emphasized that the proposed changes would enhance efficiency and attract competent applicants by eliminating bureaucratic bottlenecks.
Currently, the process involves university senates proposing five candidates to the PSC, which then shortlists three names for the Education Cabinet Secretary to forward to the President.
Critics argue this procedure is unnecessarily lengthy and discourages potential applicants.
The amendments come against the backdrop of leadership gaps in public universities.
In February 2023, 29 institutions were operating without chancellors, raising concerns about the validity of degrees conferred during the vacancies.
Under the University Act, 2012, chancellors are mandated to confer degrees and grant diplomas, certificates, and other academic awards.
Without chancellors, university council chairpersons can step in, but only for a maximum of three months.
The proposed Bill seeks to prevent such disruptions by ensuring a clear and timely transition process.
By removing the PSC from the process, lawmakers argue that the focus shifts to academic suitability rather than public service criteria.
“Chancellors of universities don’t undertake day-to-day public service activities to necessitate the inclusion of the PSC in the recruitment process,” the committee said.
The proposed changes are expected to foster a smoother transition, enhance inclusivity, and maintain the credibility of university operations.
If the Universities (Amendment) Bill, 2024, sponsored by Kilifi North MP Owen Baya, becomes law, the Education Cabinet Secretary and the Public Service Commission (PSC) will no longer have a role in the appointments.
Under the proposed framework, university senates will spearhead the recruitment process and directly submit three shortlisted candidates to the President, who will then have 21 days to appoint one as chancellor.
This departure from the current multi-layered approach aims to streamline the process and ensure timely leadership transitions in public universities.
The Bill stipulates that the recruitment process should commence six months before the incumbent’s term expires.
The university senate, in consultation with stakeholders, will identify suitable candidates, ensuring at least one nominee is of either gender.
“Public universities have struggled to attract suitable candidates due to the protracted recruitment process currently in place,” the committee, led by Tinderet MP Julius Melly, noted.
They emphasized that the proposed changes would enhance efficiency and attract competent applicants by eliminating bureaucratic bottlenecks.
Currently, the process involves university senates proposing five candidates to the PSC, which then shortlists three names for the Education Cabinet Secretary to forward to the President.
Critics argue this procedure is unnecessarily lengthy and discourages potential applicants.
The amendments come against the backdrop of leadership gaps in public universities.
In February 2023, 29 institutions were operating without chancellors, raising concerns about the validity of degrees conferred during the vacancies.
Under the University Act, 2012, chancellors are mandated to confer degrees and grant diplomas, certificates, and other academic awards.
Without chancellors, university council chairpersons can step in, but only for a maximum of three months.
The proposed Bill seeks to prevent such disruptions by ensuring a clear and timely transition process.
By removing the PSC from the process, lawmakers argue that the focus shifts to academic suitability rather than public service criteria.
“Chancellors of universities don’t undertake day-to-day public service activities to necessitate the inclusion of the PSC in the recruitment process,” the committee said.
The proposed changes are expected to foster a smoother transition, enhance inclusivity, and maintain the credibility of university operations.
