The Mountain Journal
Controversy surrounding lack of a substantive Vice Chancellor at MultiMedia University (MMU) is yet to settle, with stakeholders calling for intervention.
The stakeholders among them UASU, and education consultants blame the government over the delay in appointing substantive Vice Chancellors.
In January, the Public Service Commission (PSC) handed to the university council 11 names of the candidates who had the qualifications.
There is tension at the university after the students went on strike due to acute water shortage in their hostels making the institution unbearable.
Education consultants, Charles Njoroge Mwangi and Jane Owour plead with the Education Cabinet Secretary Dr Julius Ogamba to appoint the VC to help clear the mess at the university.
They pleaded with the University council Chairman Dr. Albert Kochei to act fast and redeem the image of the university, after the tenure of acting Vice Chancellor Prof Rosebella Maranga was extended for six months by the former CS Ezekiel Machogu before the cabinet reshuffle.
:”In the spirit that new brooms sweep better, it is expected that Dr Ogamba will be fast, diligent, bold, and professional in concluding the appointment process at MMU. This could boost his reputation as an action-oriented professional,” said Njoroge.
Owour on her part said it was embarrassing for the government to allow unqualified persons to head institutions instead of using the list from the PSC to make substantive appointments.
She appeals to the Chairman of the university Council Dr. Albert Kochei to address the irregularities that may have undermined and over delayed the appointment process,” said Mrs Owour.
“ Extension of Prof Maranga tenure was done without the knowledge of UASU and other key stakeholders by the former CS Machogu,” said Owour.
In the PSC ranking list of the candidates seen by the Standard, the 11 candidates who were interviewed are Prof Nyaga Mbatia, Prof Benard Moirongo, Prof Mary Abuktsa Onyango, Prof Francis Nyamu Wachira , Prof Rosebella Maranga and Prof Godfrey Mse.
Others are Prof Joseph Chacha, Prof Joseph Kiplangat, Prof Joseph Bosire, Prof Peter Mwita and Prof Mary J. Kipsat.
After the VC job was advertised 41 candidates applied for the position.
Prof Maranga was appointed the acting Vice Chancellor at the varsity who took over from Prof Feustus Kaberia who retired in January this year.
UASU leadership urged the appointing authority to effectively engage all the key stakeholders to pre-empt legal battles that could disrupt the current stability and smooth transition at the institution.
