The Public Service Commission (PSC) has expressed concern over the ongoing leadership stalemate at the University of Nairobi (UoN), calling for a swift and lawful resolution to the impasse that has delayed the appointment of a new Vice-Chancellor.
In a statement, PSC Vice Chair Mary Kimonye reaffirmed its role in the recruitment process, which it carried out by its legal mandate under Section 35(1)(a)(v) of the Universities Act. "The Act empowers the Commission to oversee a competitive, merit-based recruitment process for top positions in public universities, including Vice Chancellors, Deputy Vice Chancellors, Principals, and Deputy Principals of constituent colleges," Kimonye stated.
At the same time, PSC also noted that it had successfully conducted interviews for the Vice Chancellor and Deputy Vice Chancellor positions at UoN, following a transparent process involving advertisement, shortlisting, and ranking of candidates based on interview performance. The final merit list was forwarded to the Chairperson of the UoN Council for appointment in consultation with the Cabinet Secretary. "The current deadlock is regrettable and not in the national interest," the Commission stated, warning that the situation threatens to disrupt the delivery of critical services and academic programmes at Kenya's flagship institution of higher learning.
Since January this year, under the leadership of its newly appointed Vice Chairperson and Members, the Commission has cleared a backlog of 19 senior-level appointments in public universities across the country. The Commission called on all stakeholders at UoN to prioritize the institution's stability and reputation. "We call on the parties involved to resolve the dispute amicably and in accordance with the law, to prevent further anxiety and safeguard the image of the University of Nairobi," Kimonye stated.
