The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) is set to transition to new leadership as its long-serving CEO, Charles Ringera, prepares to exit after serving two full terms. Ringera has been at the helm of the state agency since March 2013, playing a crucial role in its growth and modernization.
The announcement follows HELB’s advertisement for the CEO position, signaling its compliance with government policy limiting heads of parastatals to two terms. This move aligns with a directive by Head of Public Service Felix Koskei, reaffirming that state corporation CEOs must step down after completing their second term, regardless of performance.
A Change in Policy
Koskei underscored the policy shift during a consultative meeting with ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) on September 21. He stated, “We are here for a season…in the boards, the maximum is two terms. We have also said there is no third term for CEOs. Two terms if you can’t do anything, just go do something else.”
This directive represents a departure from previous guidelines issued in 2018 by former Head of Public Service Joseph Kinyua. Under Kinyua’s tenure, term limits and age caps were scrapped, allowing CEOs of state corporations to serve beyond the mandatory retirement age of 60 and be reappointed at the discretion of the appointing authority. This relaxation of rules led to ambiguities in service terms, occasionally resulting in legal disputes.
However, the government has now reverted to enforcing stricter term limits as part of broader governance reforms aimed at fostering fresh leadership and innovation in public institutions.
Key Qualifications and Expectations for the New HELB CEO
According to the job advertisement, HELB is seeking a dynamic and visionary leader to steer the institution into its next phase of development. The successful candidate will assume a multifaceted role encompassing overall leadership, strategic direction, and operational management to ensure HELB achieves its short- and long-term objectives.
Specifically, the new CEO will be expected to:
- Enhance Institutional Structures: Spearhead the design and implementation of organizational frameworks that support efficiency and effectiveness.
- Drive Fintech Optimisation: Leverage technology to streamline service delivery, ensuring HELB remains competitive in the evolving financial landscape.
- Promote Customer-Centred Leadership: Cultivate a service culture that prioritizes the needs of students and other stakeholders.
- Ensure Prudent Financial Management: Uphold sound fiscal practices while implementing robust risk management and compliance measures.
- Mobilize Resources: Secure funding to support HELB’s mission of providing accessible financial assistance to Kenyan students.
- Champion Good Corporate Governance: Maintain high standards of transparency, accountability, and ethical leadership.
The incoming CEO, who will also serve as the Board Secretary, is expected to guide HELB in achieving sustainability while navigating challenges such as loan recovery and expanding access to higher education funding.
Applications Open Until December 17, 2024
HELB has invited applications from qualified and interested candidates, with submissions due by December 17, 2024. This timeline provides an opportunity for a thorough recruitment process, ensuring the appointment of a capable and transformative leader.
The new leadership comes at a critical juncture for HELB, as the agency continues to adapt to changing higher education needs and economic pressures. The CEO’s role will be pivotal in shaping policies that align with Kenya’s vision for inclusive and quality education.
Ringera’s Legacy
During his tenure, Charles Ringera oversaw significant milestones, including the digitization of HELB’s operations and the expansion of loan disbursement to thousands of students across the country. While his departure marks the end of an era, it also sets the stage for new leadership to build on the foundation he laid.
As HELB looks to the future, the agency’s commitment to delivering on its mandate of empowering Kenya’s youth through education funding remains unwavering. The upcoming leadership transition is expected to bring fresh perspectives and strategies to propel HELB to greater heights.
