Amina defends appointments of varsity DVCs as row rages

Education Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed has defended the appointment of four Deputy Vice Chancellors at the University of Nairobi.

Details emerging from her office explains that the appointments were based on gender, regional balance and merit even as the University Council protested.

In a letter to Office of the Attorney General, the CS makes reference to the Constitution, the Universities Act, State Corporations Act, Public Service Commission Act and circulars by Public Service Commission among other documents as key guides o her decision.

The letter dated January 28 to Solicitor General Ken Ogeto, seeks to explain to the Attorney General’s office her justification to the controversial appointments. This is after the University Council sought legal advice from the State Law Office.

Amina’s letter reveals finer details surrounding the appointment of each official, with explanations why top candidates were not selected despite the Councils’ recommendation.

The CS appointed Prof Jama Mohamud as DVC Finance, Planning and Development and Prof Julius Ogeng’o the Academic Affairs DVC.

Far-reaching ramifications

The university’s Graduate School director Prof Lydia Njenga was appointed DVC for Research, Production and Extension.

Prof William Ogara was appointed to the newly created DVC position of Human Resource. Amina explained that Prof Jama was appointed because Marsabit County is not represented in the entire university management team. She said she considered regional balance and inclusivity.

“Marsabit County is recognised as one of the 14 ASAL Counties which are under- represented in public service,” said Amina.

She explained that there is no representation from Marsabit County at the university management and the entire realm of Public University administration at the DVC level.

Prof Jama scored 68 per cent in the interviews, coming second after Prof Mbeche who scored 82.9 per cent. Prof Henry Mutembei scored 65.1 per cent. Amina explained that Prof Mbeche was not considered for the appointment because he is already serving as DVC Student Affairs at the University with remarkable success.

“Appointing him for the position of DVC finance, Planning and Development would have created a vacuum within the sensitive Student Affairs docket and exposed the University to additional recruitment costs to find a replacement,” Amina said.

Prof Mbeche is currently serving in the second and final term in the position of DVC Student Affairs ending in the year 2021.

In appointing Prof Njenga DVC for Research, Amina said she considered gender representation.

“Of five DVCs, six Principals and the Vice-Chancellor, there is no female representation making the management of the university out of tune with the Constitution,” said Amina.

She said her appointment was based on an open, accountable, transparent and competitive process. She also explains that Prof Ogengo and Prof Ogara were appointed based on their performance and regional balance.

Pitching her case, Amina said that any advisory opinion of the AG must not deviate from normal practice.

“…it will have far-reaching ramifications across the entire public service and might open litigation against past appointments made by the president and other Cabinet Secretaries and/or appointing authorities,” said Amina.

The appointments have generated heat with University Academic Staff Union (Uasu) national office sucked in the row.

Uasu Secretary general Constantine Wasonga yesterday demanded an explanation from Amina, detaining her reasons for the appointment.

This came after the Council alleged that the CS swapped names in appointments.

Meanwhile, the University of Nairobi Students Association yesterday gave the Ministry of Education a 10-day ultimatum to reverse the recent controversial appointments of the Deputy VCs.