Major changes are expected at the Commission for University Education as the terms of current commissioners end next week while it’s chief executive officer David Some leaves officially by September 4. The terms of the eight commissioners will end following the passing of a new law that requires them to exit after three months. The Commission made is to to promote the objectives of university education, by regulating and accrediting universities and programmes, among other functions

The New law states that “A person who was serving as a member of the Commission prior to the commencement of this section shall continue to serve as a member for the remainder of his or her unexpired term or for a period not exceeding 90 days after commencement of this section, whichever is earlier, after which new commissioners shall be appointed in accordance with this section,”  [The Universities (Amendment) Act 2016]

The Act was assented to by President Uhuru Kenyatta in December. This means that Prof Chacha Nyaigotti-Chacha, who was appointed to chair the commission in November to replace Prof Henry Thairu, together with seven commissioners will have to exit.

The current commissioners are Lucy Kambuni, Dr Elizabeth Muli, Abudo Qonchoro Mamo, Paul Mungai (Ministry of Education) Alvin Njuguna (National Treasury) and Prof Some.

Prof Thairu, Dr James Patrick Ochieng Odero, Prof Wilson Langat, Ms Millicent Omukaga, Lucy Wanja Julius and Mr Mamo were appointed in December 2013 to serve for four years.

New formula for Commissioner Appointment

The new Act also provides for a radical shift in the way commissioners are appointed, and now both private and public universities will be involved.

The chairperson will be appointed by the President, the Ministry of Education and National Treasury will have one representative each while one distinguished academic scholar with at least 10years’ experience in management of university education will be appointed to serve in the commission.

Federation of Kenya Employers Councils of both public and private universities will each have a representative in the commission while the Commission Secretary will be an ex-officio member.

Already CUE has kicked off the process of replacing Prof Some with April 7 being the last day for applicants to submit their applications.

Prof Walter Oyawa the Deputy Secretary in charge of administration and finance has since been appointed to act.