Sights trained on Kaimenyi as CUE staff terms expire

By AUGUSTINE ODUOR

Kenya: Education Cabinet Secretary Jacob Kaimenyi is on the spot to set up a selection panel to replace senior Commission for University Education (CUE) staff whose terms expire today.

Section 84 of the Universities Act states that new commissioners shall be appointed to the CUE upon the expiry of the current commissioners’ terms or after expiry of six months after commencement of the new Act.

It is about six months after President Mwai Kibaki signed the Universities Bill into law. According to the Act, Prof Kaimenyi is supposed to appoint a selection panel comprising six persons.

Of these, one person will represent the Public Service Commission and another the Federation of Kenya Employers. 

Two persons will stand for the Kenya Private Sector Alliance and another two eminent scholars appointed by the Cabinet Secretary.

“The selection panel shall then advertise the vacancies and publicise the names of applicants and shortlisted candidates in at least two daily newspapers with national circulation,” reads Section 6 (5) of the Act.  The Act is clear on   balanced competencies, gender equity, and the inclusion of persons with disabilities, the marginalised and other minority groups.