By George Otieno
Commission for University Education (CUE) Chairperson Prof. Chacha Nyaigotti has called for proper separation of powers of various university organs in order to enhance proper management and avoid power wrangles.
The Chairperson underscored the importance of understanding the roles of the Vice Chancellor vis-a- vie the Chancellor and the roles of the council which is established as a body cooperate that manages the affairs of the university and the separation of the responsibilities between council, the management and the senate.
Speaking during the International Conference on Enhancing Education in Kenya held on August 23-26, 2022 in Mombasa, Prof. Chacha stated that there is a big challenge in understanding the separation of roles and the power of the governance committee especially in private universities.
“There is a big challenge in understanding the separation of roles and the power of the governance committee especially in the private universities,” he added.
He pointed out that at times, the university founders insist on being in the council since they are the board of trustees
“Some universities have never had smooth, professional and proper handing over between the outgoing and incoming Vice Chancellor because of the meddling by trustees,” said Prof. Chacha.
Prof. Chacha stated that as a country, Kenya has been a nation of policies and that the country’s growth and development in the education sector has been led by blueprints and documents that can be referred to.
He added that at the university level, there is no difference between private and public universities and that the university system should be looked at as an entity which is expected to focus on similar or comparable structures.
He further added that some of the challenges and issues affecting Kenyan universities are brought about by lack of implementation of the great policies that focus on staffing due to the way universities are funded in the country.
In the public universities, for instance, where the government is the founder, Prof. Chacha questioned why public universities were poorly funded and unable to find money to meet their needs.
He said universities should have good quality facilities, not necessarily expensive and luxurious, that cater for students’ welfare so as to create a conducive environment for students and make them feel the difference between high schools and universities.
