PSC Clears the Air on Appointment of University of Nairobi Vice Chancellor

By Samuel Ouma

The Public Service Commission (PSC) has issued a statement clarifying its role in the ongoing recruitment dispute surrounding the appointment of the Vice Chancellor at the University of Nairobi.

This comes amid media reports and public concern over the protracted deadlock that has delayed the installation of new university leadership.

In a press statement released on May 15, 2025, the PSC described the stalemate as "regrettable and clearly not in the best interest of the country," warning that the delay threatens the delivery of critical academic services in what is widely regarded as Kenya's premier university.

“The deadlock currently obtaining at the University of Nairobi regarding the appointment of a new Vice Chancellor is regrettable and clearly not in the best interest of the country, as it threatens delivery of critical services and academic programmes,” reads the statement signed by PSC Vice Chairperson Mary W. Kimonye.

The Commission noted that it executed its duties strictly by the law, notably Section 35(1)(a)(v) of the Universities Act, Cap 210. The Act mandates PSC to oversee a transparent, competitive, and merit-based recruitment process for top university management, including Vice Chancellors, Deputy Vice Chancellors, and Principals of constituent colleges.

“The Commission’s role is to ensure that the appointment process complies with the Law,” the statement continues, underscoring PSC’s constitutional duty to promote efficiency and effectiveness in public service as outlined in Article 234(5) of the 2010 Constitution.

According to the PSC, it duly carried out a competitive recruitment process for the positions of Vice Chancellor and Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University of Nairobi after the positions were declared vacant. The process involved advertising the positions, shortlisting qualified applicants, conducting interviews, and ranking candidates based on performance.

“The top merit list was forwarded to the Chairperson of the Council of the University of Nairobi for appointment in consultation with the Cabinet Secretary,” PSC explained, stressing that this was done in line with the law.

The statement also addressed broader efforts by the Commission to resolve delays in filling key posts in public universities. PSC noted that since January 2025, under a new Vice Chairperson and Commission members, it has processed 19 top-level university appointments — clearing a backlog that had persisted.

These included appointments at the Open University of Kenya, Garissa University, Pwani University, Multimedia University, Meru University of Science and Technology, Kisii University, Karatina University, and others, with the University of Nairobi being the only exception.

“With the exception of the University of Nairobi, the Commission has not witnessed any leadership disagreements… indicating the confidence and professionalism in the recruitment processes,” PSC stated.

In a strong appeal to the stakeholders involved, PSC urged a swift and amicable resolution of the leadership dispute.

“The Commission therefore urges the parties involved to resolve the dispute… expeditiously as guided by the Law in order to save the country unnecessary anxiety and stem the deterioration of the image of the Premier University.”

PSC reaffirmed its commitment to delivering quality public service, pledging to continue executing its mandate fairly and professionally.

“The Public Service Commission remains committed to ensuring efficiency and effectiveness in delivery of quality services,” said PSC.