As highlighted earlier on this site, a vice-chancellor is the chief executive officer of a university. In Kenyan universities, a vice chancellor is responsible for the overall direction, organization, and administration of academic and administrative functions of the university. The Vice-chancellor is also tasked to come with a management style that ensures sustained success of the institution.
Below are the requirements one must meet in order to become a vice chancellor in a Kenyan University.
1. Be a full Professor and holder of an earned Doctorate degree or equivalent qualification from a University
recognized in Kenya.
2. Have a thorough knowledge of the structural, legislative and regulatory framework for administering University
Education in Kenya.
3. Have at least ten years experience at a senior level in managing a large and complex University or equivalent institution with demonstrable leadership and management capabilities including knowledge of public financial management and strategic people management i.e Dean, director, principal, deputy vice-chancellor, or a comparable position in an academic or research institution.
4. Be an accomplished scholar with a proven track record in formulating and managing academic programs and supervising and mentoring Masters and PhD students.
5. Have a proven track record of research and publications in peer-reviewed journals, monographs and books.
6. Have demonstrable experience in networking, fundraising, and resource mobilization.
7. Meet the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution on Leadership and Integrity.
8. Have a demonstrable experience in transformative and strategic leadership
Scanned copies of the following documents
9. Clearance from Kenya Revenue Authority.
10. Clearance from Higher Education Loans Board
11. Clearance from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission
12. Certificate of Good Conduct from the Criminal Investigation Department
13. Detailed Curriculum Vitae
14. Copies of Relevant Academic and Professional Certificates.
15. Copy of a National Identity Card or Passport
16. Testimonials, and other relevant supporting documents
Duties and Responsibilities of a Vice Chancellor in Kenyan Universities.
1. Academic and administrative Head of the University who is responsible to the Council for maintaining and promoting the academic image as well as maintaining and promoting the efficiency and good order of the University
2. Member of all committees appointed by Council or Senate unless otherwise expressly provided
3. Secretary to the Council and an ex officio member of the Council.
4. Accounting Officer of the university
5. Responsible for Policy matters, Planning, Coordination, Public Relations, Fund Raising, and General Development of the University
6. Chairman of Senate
7. Chairman of Associate Professorial appointments.
8. Chairman of the University Management Board.
9. Chairman of the University Student Welfare Authority.
10.Development of short and long-term strategies to manage the university.
Vice Chancellor Term of office in Kenyan Universities.
As per the Universities Act 2012, Univers a Vice-Chancellor shall hold office for a duration of five (5) years with the possibility of one-time renewal for a further term of five years subject to a positive appraisal by the Council.
Upon successful qualification, the university council shall evaluate the performance of an applicant and make a report, recommending either a renewal or termination of the contract to the Kenyan education cabinet secretary.
Also Read: List Of Vice Chancellors in All Kenyan Universities 2018
Quick facts
- Vice-chancellors are appointed by the Kenyan Education Cabinet Secretary on university councils’ recommendations.
- The position of vice chancellor and the deputy can only be declared vacant when the university has no intention of renewing the appointment of the current or the current vice-chancellor has served a second and final term. In this event, the incumbent vice-chancellor continues to serve until another candidate is recruited even if they are among the candidates.
- A vice-chancellor can only be suspended from a university after consultation with the Kenyan education cabinet secretary.
