PSC concludes recruitment process for substantive VCs at UoN and KU

The recruitment processes for the appointment of substantive vice-chancellors at the University of Nairobi and Kenyatta University have concluded.

The Public Service Commission (PSC) told Parliament that the shortlisted candidates are now awaiting appointment by the respective university councils.

Appearing before the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Education on Thursday, Public Service Commission (PSC) chief executive officer Paul Famba said the commission received a total of 21 applications for the two vacancies at the close of the application deadline on January 9, 2026.

PSC placed the advert on December 16, 2025, on its website, in national daily newspapers, and other accessible media to ensure a wide audience of potential applicants.

“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 told the committee chaired by Tinderet MP Julius Melly.

“Thirteen candidates applied for the Kenyatta University position, with eight shortlisted and interviewed on March 24 and 25 before three names were submitted to the council,” he added.

The vice chancellor post at the University of Nairobi fell vacant in early 2025 following the controversial exit of Prof Stephen Kiama after persistent leadership wrangles.

Prof Margaret Hutchinson has been serving as acting VC since August 2024, following the suspension of Prof Kiama before his permanent departure in 2025.

Prof Bitange Ndemo was appointed substantive VC by the UoN Council in May 2025 but declined the post, citing procedural noncompliance.

Advertisement for the VC post at Kenyatta University followed the impending retirement of Prof Paul Wainaina, whose second term was scheduled to lapse on January 26, 2026.

The PSC further told MPs that the recruitment process for chancellors at the University of Kabianga, Kibabii University, Kaimosi Friends University, Pwani University, and Kisii University was underway.

Committee members, however, raised concern over delays in filling senior university offices, noting that several institutions have been operating under acting appointments beyond the recommended six-month period.

The committee chairperson urged the commission to begin recruitment processes at least six months before the expiry of office holders’ terms to avoid leadership vacuums at institutions of higher education.

During the same sitting, the Public Service and Human Capital Development Principal Secretary, Jane Kere, told the committee that the government is ready to implement revised hardship allowance rates after a court petition challenging the changes was dismissed.

This was after committee members pressed the PSC to fast-track the implementation of revised hardship allowance rates for public servants.

“The petition was dismissed by the court, which means the State Department and other agencies now have room to proceed and conclude the matter. We will prepare a Cabinet memo for further direction,” she said.

According to the PS, the revised structure is expected to increase allowances for public servants working in designated hardship areas, with differentiated rates for moderate and extreme hardship zones.

However, MPs questioned the current classification of hardship areas, saying the existing framework is outdated and unfair.

Melly cited parts of Taita Taveta county where remote hilly areas lack roads but are not classified as hardship zones, while better-developed areas continue to benefit.

Kibra MP Mwalimu Peter Orero also raised concern over disparities in Makueni County, calling for a comprehensive review of the zoning of areas considered a hardship. 

The committee directed officials from the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) and the State Department for Public Service to develop a transparent, data-driven classification process for hardship areas.

The lawmakers said the data should consider factors such as terrain, infrastructure, climate, security, and access to services.

PSC and the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) provide hardship allowance to public servants working in remote, underdeveloped or insecure areas as an incentive to encourage skilled public officers to work in such locations.

The compensation covers the risks of bodily harm and the high cost of living in areas lacking basic amenities like water, transport and basic infrastructure such as proper housing and healthcare facilities.