Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machongu has announced the appointment of thirteen new Vice Chancellors for different public universities in the country.
Speaking on Friday, August 25, CS Machongu publicized the names of the new VCs after a competitive recruitment exercise that started in February 2023.
In the new changes Prof. Barasa Lwagula was named Alupe University VC while Prof. Peter Nganga Muchiri will take charge of Dedan Kimathi University of Technology.
Further, Prof. Joyce Jepkirui Agalo will be Machakos University VC whereas Prof. Benedict Mwavu Mutua will lead the Technical University of Kenya (TUK).
Prof. Peter K. Muriungi will take over administrative roles at Tharaka University while Prof James H. P. Kahindi will be Pwani University’s new VC.
In addition, Prof. Linus Muthuri Gitonga was named Karatina University VC while Kisii University, which got the highest number of students in the KUCCPS placement results, new VC is Prof. Dr. Nathan Oyori Ogechi.
Also affected in the announcement is Tom Mboya University, which was established in 2010.
CS Machongu named Prof. Charles O. Omondi as the new Tom Mboya VC.
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Moreover, Prof. Eng. Douglas Shitanda will be in charge of South Eastern Kenya University (SEKU) as Prof. Thomas Kimeli Cheruiyot takes over as University of Eldoret (UoE) VC.
Further, Prof. Emily Achieng Akuno will now lead Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST)
Last on the list is the University of Kabianga where Prof. Eric Kipyegon Koech will take charge as VC.
Duties and Responsibilities
According to the Universities Act, VCs and deputy VCs are appointed by the university councils in collaboration with the Education CS.
After their appointment, the VCs perform various duties and responsibilities.
To begin with, the VC is the academic and administrative head of the University.
Therefore, the VC is responsible for maintaining and promoting the academic image of the university.
Also, the VC maintains and promotes the efficiency and good order of the University.
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In addition, the VC is a member of all committees appointed by Council or Senate and Secretary to the Council and an ex officio member of the Council.
Further, the VC is the accounting officer of the university and chairman of the Senate.
The VC is responsible for policy matters, planning, coordination, public relations, fund raising, and general development of the university.
Additionally, the VC is the Chairman of Associate Professorial appointments, University Management Board and the University Student Welfare Authority.
Also, the VC is responsible for the development of short and long-term strategies to manage the university.
