Crisis looms at Kenyatta University

A management crisis is looming at KU following an order by the Employment and Labor Court to suspend the recruitment of a Vice Chancellor.

The order which came into effect on Wednesday stopped the interviews for shortlisted candidates for the position of VC that was scheduled for September 21-22, this year until the matter is heard and determined.

The petitioner, Okiyah Omtatah who is the Executive Director at Kenyans for Justice and Development Trust (KJDT) avers that, contrary to standard practice and the need to be transparent and accountable, the KU Council did not publish the date, time, and venue for interviewing the shortlisted candidates.

“That a temporary order of injunction be and is hereby issued restraining Kenyatta University Council their agents and or servants from conducting interviews for the position of Vice Chancellor for KU pending inter parties hearing of this application on 4th October, 2017,” said Justice Linnet Ndolo.

The order was issued following failure by the KU Council to strictly adhere to the published mutually agreed criterion and process for appointing the Vice Chancellor of Kenyatta University.

The institute also faulted Dr Violet Chesang’s role in the recruitment process saying as an immediate former member of KU Council she should not have been at the center of the recruitment process.

At the same time, the orders bar three other candidates from taking part in the interview. They are Prof Anne Kisaka Nengulu, Prof Joseph Kibet Rotich, and Prof Ng’ang’a Zipporah who the petitioner says ‘are unqualified persons who have been shortlisted candidates for consideration for the position of the Vice Chancellor for Kenyatta University.