The Public Service Commission (PSC) has confirmed that the recruitment process for Vice Chancellors at the University of Nairobi (UoN) and Kenyatta University (KU) has been completed.
Appearing before the Committee on April 16, Public Service Commission Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Paul Famba said the vacancies were advertised on December 16, with applications closing on January 9.
Further, he told the legislators that eight candidates applied for the University of Nairobi post, six were shortlisted and interviewed on March 19, before three names were forwarded to the university council for appointment.
“For the University of Nairobi post, eight candidates applied, six were shortlisted and interviewed on March 19, before three recommended names were approved and forwarded to the university council for appointment,” Famba said.
PSC Concludes Recruitment of UoN and KU Vice Chancellors
For Kenyatta University, Famba said 13 candidates applied, eight were shortlisted and interviewed on March 24 and 25, with three names subsequently submitted to the council.
PSC CEO also told MPs that recruitment is ongoing for Chancellors at the University of Kabianga, Kibabii University, Kaimosi Friends University, Pwani University, and Kisii University.
Members of the Committee raised concern over delays in filling senior university leadership positions, noting that several institutions have remained under acting leadership beyond the recommended six-month period.
Lawmakers urged the Commission to initiate recruitment processes at least six months before the expiry of office terms to avoid leadership gaps.
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This comes in the wake of concerns raised by the Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU), University of Nairobi Chapter, over an escalating leadership and financial crisis at UoN.
In a statement dated April 13, the union raised alarm over the prolonged absence of substantive leadership at the institution, noting that both the Vice-Chancellor and all Deputy Vice-Chancellors have been serving in acting capacities since September 2024.
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UASU said the continued reliance on interim leadership has weakened institutional stability and affected the university’s ability to run its operations effectively.
The union further argued that the lack of permanent leadership has slowed critical decision-making, including financial restructuring and long-term strategic planning.
It also questioned why the University of Nairobi had not benefited from a financial bailout comparable to the support extended to other institutions, such as Moi University.
UASU warned that continued inaction could push one of Kenya’s oldest and most prominent universities into a deeper crisis, potentially undermining its long-term sustainability.
