Will public service commission in appointing VCs competatively

The amendment to the law regulating appointment of top managers in public universities is now operational. The Statute Law (Miscellaneous Amendments) Act, 2018 has amended Section 35 of the Universities Act 2012 by restructuring the processes and procedures for appointment of Vice Chancellors, Deputy Vice Chancellors, Principals and Deputy Principals.The amendment takes away the critical component of recruitment of VCs from universities councils to the Public Service Commission of Kenya.

Previously, university councils controlled appointments. They advertised vacant positions for VCs, shortlisted candidates; conducted interviews and made recommendations to the CS for appointment. The missing link has been lack of transparency and public participation.