Education Ministry launches large-scale recruitment initiative at Public Universities

The Ministry of Education has launched a large-scale recruitment initiative aimed at addressing leadership issues at public universities and colleges.

In a notice published in the government publication MyGov, Beatrice Inyangala, the Principal Secretary for Higher Education and Research, announced that the government is currently seeking to appoint chairpersons and council members for public universities and their constituent colleges.

The notice indicates that the government plans to implement changes within these institutions, which include 37 chartered public universities and 6 constituent colleges.

“The Ministry of Education, State Department for Higher Education and Research, is in the process of recruiting chairpersons and members of councils for public universities and constituent colleges,” the notice stated.

This announcement follows a leadership dispute at the University of Nairobi, where Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba dismissed Amukowa Anangwe, the Chairperson of the UoN Council, after protests from the University Academic Staff Union (UASU).

According to the Universities Act No. 42 of 2012, the governance of public universities is primarily managed by University Councils. The Act requires that each public university or its constituent college has a Council composed of nine members, appointed by the Cabinet Secretary responsible for university education.

The University Councils consist of nine members, including a chairperson appointed by the Cabinet Secretary for Education, the Higher Education Principal Secretary as an ex-officio member, and five members selected by the Cabinet Secretary through an open process. The Vice-Chancellor of the university also serves as an ex-officio member and acts as the Council’s secretary.

The notice published on Tuesday specifies that candidates for the chairperson position must hold at least a PhD from a recognized university.

The Principal Secretary further emphasized that those chosen for the chairperson role must have a proven record of leadership and management, in addition to fulfilling the requirements set forth in Chapter Six of the Constitution.

For council members, a minimum of a master’s degree (excluding executive master’s degrees) from a recognized university is required, along with leadership and management experience, and compliance with Chapter Six of the Constitution.

“Applicants should not be public servants or active members of any university faculty (both public and private),” the notice stated.

Shortlisted candidates will need to provide the following documents during the interview: a Curriculum Vitae, Identity Card, academic certificates, testimonials, and a CUE Recognition/Equation Certificate for foreign qualifications.

The notice further indicated that successful candidates must submit a certificate of good conduct, EACC clearance, HELB clearance, KRA compliance certificate, and credit bureau clearance to their appointed institution.

Applications must include an application letter stating the position, a curriculum vitae, and a copy of a national ID or valid passport.

Applications are to be sent to the Ministry of Education by March 4.