Chuka University has finally a new council giving way for the naming of the most awaited substantial vice-chancellor.
In a Gazette notice on May 23, Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu appointed Crispus Micheni Ndeke, Linet Kwamboka Maganda, Samuel Gacheru Gitonga, Zephania Rwanda Mbaka and Margaret Makhungu as members of the council and Prof David Serem as the chairperson.
The university located in Chuka, Tharaka Nithi County has operated for a long without a council after the two-term tenure for a team that was led by Dr Julius Rotich expired.
Prof Dorcas Isutsa took over as the varsity’s vice-chancellor in an acting capacity after Prof Erastus Njoka, the founder of the institution resigned at the tail-end of his second term to run for Tharaka Nithi County governorship early last year.
Speaking when he appeared before the National Assembly recently, Dr Machogu stated that the VC for Chuka University had been picked and will be named immediately after the gazettement of a new council.
“We have already settled on the next VC for Chuka University and will be announced immediately there is a new council in place,” said Dr Machogu.
Rumors point at the DVC Administration, Finance, Planning and Development (AFPD) Affairs Prof Henry Mutembei M’Ikiugu as the next VC.
Prof Isutsa is already out since she was not even shortlisted for the interviews.
Others with new councils are, Kisii University, Masinde Mulilo University of Science and Technology, Pwani University, Nairobi University, South Eastern Kenya University, Technical University of Mombasa and Turkana University College.
Last month, the Public Service Commission (PSC) advertised vacant positions for Vice-Chancellor (VC) and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics, Research and Student Affairs) at Tharaka University.
In the advertisement placed on the dailies and on the PSC website, the applications were to reach the commission on or before April 24, 2023 latest 5pm.
The university which has been ranked the top State corporation in service delivery for several years consecutively is currently headed by Prof Peter Kinyua Muriungi as the acting Vice-Chancellor and who is being touted as the best person to continue in substantive status.
The varsity situated in Nkondi ward near Gatunga market has greatly expanded in terms of academics and infrastructure in a few years also promoting the economy of the once sleepy village.