Former VCs, top executives scramble for slots in University of Nairobi council

NAIROBI: Former vice chancellors and prominent chief executives are among 13 candidates seeking to chair the University of Nairobi Council.

Another 83 candidates have also been shortlisted to be members of the university's council.

James Tuitoek and Isaiah Ndege, former vice chancellors at Egerton and Kyambogo (Kampala) universities respectively were shortlisted to chair the council.

Former Brand Kenya Board Chairman, Chief Executive Officer Hanington Gaya and Harun Mwangi, the current Media Council of Kenya CEO, were also shortlisted.

Other names on the short list were Alloice Orago, ‎former executive director at the National Aids Control Council and Macharia Munene, a professor of history and international relations at the United States International University.

A short text message sent to the various candidates shows that interviews are to take place at Jogoo House.

"You are invited for an interview on February 11 at Jogoo House B 10th floor, small boardroom at 2pm," reads the message.

Candidates are required to present original certificates and testimonials during the interview.

The development kicks off the start of a major re-constitution of public university councils.

The Education ministry has advertised most council positions in public universities and asked for qualified candidates to submit applications.

The decision was arrived at following revelations that most public universities councils were in office illegally.

Section 76 (3) of the Universities Act says: "All councils of public universities in existence immediately before the commencement of this Act shall remain in office for a period not exceeding six months after which new councils shall be appointed under this Act." The Universities Act came to force in 2012.