State to solve varsity's woes

Uasin Gishu, Kenya: The Government has said it will address the ongoing wrangles at the University of Eldoret by finding a long-lasting solution.

Learning at the institution has been marred by protests organised by Uasin Gishu Senator Isaac Melly and locals over alleged job placement by the management of casuals who have worked for more than 10 years.

Deputy President William Ruto who spoke for the first time in Uasin Gishu over the weekend over the current happenings at the university said the locals should leave the matter to the Government.

“I was surprised when I heard that you protested against the Vice Chancellor (VC), leave her alone because in case of any issue, we shall always address it as a government,” he said.

The DP said it was of no use to rebel against VC Teresa Akenga, a non-local, yet there are other leaders in major universities holding top positions from the Kalenjin community. “We shall see what to do as a government to end the squabbles."

resumed operations

The university resumed its operations after it was closed indefinitely following student demonstrations.

Mr Melly over the weekend absolved himself from claims that he was rallying the team to oust the VC because he was tribal.

He instead said that all heads of institutions should be in the forefront providing leadership without aligning themselves on tribal lines.

Last week, the Senate Education Committee led by Kirinyaga senator Daniel Karaba tabled findings on the probe into the issues affecting the university.

The findings by the committee as per the Hansard Report dated March 11 said the institution has not taken responsibility in the recruitment of new staff, promotion, transfer and financial management but instead abdicated its duties to other actors.

“Only communities from Rift Valley, Western and Nyanza regions are represented,” he said.