The University Academic Staff Union (Uasu) has voiced significant concerns regarding the protracted delay by the government in appointing a new Vice Chancellor for Multi-Media University (MMU). This delay, which has persisted since the retirement of Prof. Feustus Kaberia in January, has drawn sharp criticism from Uasu, which is now urging Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu to expedite the appointment process.
Onesmus Mutio, Secretary General of the MMU Uasu chapter, has described the delay as highly suspicious. He pointed out that the Public Service Commission (PSC) had already unveiled a list of candidates who were interviewed for the Vice Chancellor position six months ago. The delay, according to Uasu, is attributed to the intervention of political figures keen on placing their preferred individuals in the university’s leadership.
The PSC list, as seen by The Standard, includes eleven candidates who were interviewed for the coveted VC position. These candidates are Prof. Nyaga Mbatia, Prof. Benard Moirongo, Prof. Mary Abuktsa Onyango, Prof. Francis Nyamu Wachira, Prof. Rosebella Maranga, Prof. Godfrey Mse, Prof. Joseph Chacha, Prof. Joseph Kiplangat, Prof. Joseph Bosire, Prof. Peter Mwita, and Prof. Mary J. Kipsat. Initially, 41 candidates had applied for the position, but the list was narrowed down to 11 for interviews conducted in December last year.
Mutio expressed deep concern over the fact that, despite the interviews being concluded six months ago and the ranking list being sent to the University Council, the position of Vice Chancellor remains vacant. Uasu’s frustration is compounded by the lack of response to their letter sent in January to the Head of Public Service, Felix Koskei, which highlighted irregularities in the appointment process. Koskei had assured that he would investigate these concerns.
Educational consultant Charles Njoroge highlighted the broader issues plaguing MMU, which stem from the delayed appointment. He noted that the university faces significant challenges due to the absence of a new council, as the tenure of the outgoing board ended in October last year. Njoroge stressed the importance of addressing the alleged illegalities within the institution’s leadership to prevent potential legal challenges from aggrieved parties.
Njoroge urged Cabinet Secretary Machogu to address these pressing concerns, emphasizing that the university has been functioning with an incomplete council. The current acting chairman’s position is symptomatic of the broader administrative vacuum that needs immediate attention. He also called for investigative agencies to look into claims of favoritism based on tribal affiliations, amidst speculations that one candidate has been unduly favored and that the original PSC ranking may have been manipulated.
In conclusion, Uasu’s call for a prompt and transparent resolution to the Vice Chancellor appointment process at MMU highlights the urgency of the matter. As the university grapples with administrative uncertainties, it is imperative that the government steps in to ensure that the appointment process is conducted fairly and that the university’s leadership is stabilized for the sake of its future and the well-being of its academic community.
