Education CS Machogu announces appointments of new VCs

Graduates during the 10th Technical University of Kenya graduation ceremony in Mombasa. [Kelvin Karani, Standard]

Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu has appointed new Vice-Chancellors to 13 universities across the country.

Interviews for the new VCs were conducted by the Public Service Commission (PSC).

Prof Benedict Mwavu Mutua is the new Technical University of Kenya Vice Chancellor, taking over from Prof Paul Shiundu, who was in an acting capacity. Shiundu held the position since May this year.

Prof Thomas Kimeli Cheruiyot will now hold the top position at the University of Eldoret, while Prof Eric Kipyegon Koech has been appointed as the new VC at the University of Kabianga.

Machogu has also named Prof Nathan Ogechi as the new Kisii University Vice-Chancellor.

Ogechi replaces Prof John Akama who retired a month ago after serving at the helm of the institution for 10 years.

Other new VCs include Prof Barasa Lwagula, who will head Alupe University, Prof Peter Muchiri, to hold it down at the Dedan Kimathi University of Technology, while his counterpart Prof James Kahindi will be at the helm of Pwani University.

Prof Peter Muriungi will head Tharaka University, while Machakos University will be led by Prof Joyce Jepkirui Agalo. Karatina University will be led by Prof Linus Gitonga as the new VC, and South Eastern University of Kenya- Prof Douglas Shitanda. His counterpart Prof Emily Achieng Akuno will head Jaramogi University of Science and Technology and Prof Charles Omondi to Tom Mboya University.

Machogu, speaking to The Standard on Friday, August 25, said that the new VCs will undergo training in the next week, on three key areas namely; procurement, financial management, and people management.

"Since they are the new CEOs, training is very important," he said.

PSC had in April declared vacant the position of VC at 10 universities including Kisii University, Dedan Kimathi University of Technology, Technical University of Kenya, Karatina Univesity, Pwani University, and Univesity of Eldoret among others.