CS Kaimenyi issues warning over UoN Deputy Vice Chancellor’s job

NAIROBI: Education Cabinet Secretary Jacob Kaimenyi has warned University of Nairobi (UoN) staff against politicising appointment of the Deputy Vice Chancellor.

He also instructed the University Council to ensure there shall be "no future leaks on staff interview details as has been the case lately".

Prof Kaimenyi said he reserves the prerogative to make the appointment and cautioned against "unnecessary claims" that may dent the image of the premier institution.

"It is really unfortunate that some people can even dare expose internal processes to the public in clear breach of confidentiality," he said.

The Council conducted interviews for Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration and Finance) that was left vacant by Peter Mbithi who was appointed as Vice Chancellor.

The Kenya University Staff Union, Kenya Union of Domestic, Hotels, Educational Institutions, Hospitals and Allied Workers and the University Academic Staff Union have raised alarm over reports that the top candidate on the interview list may be sidestepped.

In a statement released last week, the three unions said they are reliably informed that there are "underhand deals between some interested individuals to compromise merit".

"We are aware that the university Council and the Chancellor are strong believers on merit," the statement partly read.

Kaimenyi said merit is not the only parameter for making appointments.