Members of Parliament (MPs) have backed a proposal to alter the current process. The proposed law, spearheaded by Kilifi North MP Owen Baya, seeks to remove the Education Cabinet Secretary (CS) and the Public Service Commission (PSC) from the appointment process of chancellors. The law, which was approved by the National Assembly Education Committee, aims to streamline the recruitment process and ensure timely appointments of university chancellors.
Under the current framework, the appointment of a university chancellor is a prolonged process involving several stages. After a vacancy arises, university senates must consult with key stakeholders to identify suitable candidates. These candidates are then submitted to the PSC for shortlisting before being forwarded to the CS for final approval, followed by the President’s appointment. This procedure has often been criticized for its inefficiency and lengthy timelines, which have hindered the recruitment of qualified candidates.
The new proposal seeks to address these challenges by placing the responsibility for identifying potential candidates directly in the hands of university senates. According to the draft bill, the university senate will begin the recruitment process six months before the current chancellor’s tenure expires. The senate, in consultation with relevant stakeholders, will identify three potential candidates for the position. These names will then be forwarded to the President, who must make a decision within 21 days of receiving the list.
This reform is expected to prevent the delays that have plagued the appointment process in the past. One of the key objectives of the proposal is to ensure that universities are not left without leadership for extended periods, as has been the case in some institutions. In February 2023, for instance, nearly 29 public universities were operating without chancellors, raising questions about the legitimacy of the degrees being conferred. The absence of a chancellor is particularly concerning because these officials are responsible for conferring degrees and awarding other academic credentials, as stipulated by the University Act of 2012.
By removing the PSC and CS from the appointment process, MPs believe that the recruitment of chancellors will become more efficient, attracting a broader pool of qualified candidates. As highlighted by the Education Committee, public universities have struggled to fill these positions due to the protracted and cumbersome recruitment procedures. The committee believes that with a more streamlined process, universities will be able to identify and appoint suitable leaders in a timely manner.
Another important aspect of the proposed amendment is the requirement that the senate ensures gender representation in the list of nominees. At least one of the three names forwarded to the President must be from either gender, promoting diversity and inclusion within the leadership of public universities.
The Universities (Amendment) Bill, 2024, proposes that the recruitment process be completed within 90 days of a chancellor’s seat becoming vacant. This is a significant reduction from the current system, which often leads to vacancies dragging on for months, leaving universities without the leadership required to carry out crucial functions.
If enacted, the law would mark a significant shift in how public universities in Kenya appoint their leaders. By placing more authority in the hands of university senates, it is hoped that the process will become more responsive and efficient, ensuring that universities can continue to function smoothly and maintain the credibility of their academic programs.
The proposed changes are a response to growing concerns about the governance of public universities and the urgent need for effective leadership. With many universities facing leadership vacancies, these reforms could play a crucial role in stabilizing the higher education sector and ensuring that institutions can continue to fulfill their academic mandates without unnecessary disruptions.
The success of this proposed legislation will ultimately depend on its ability to attract qualified individuals to the role of chancellor, ensuring that leadership positions in public universities are filled with competent and visionary leaders who can guide these institutions into the future.
