Interview ranking for Moi University VC post released

Acting Vice-Chancellor Laban Ayiro. FILE PHOTO | NMG 

By OUMA WANZALA

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A tough choice now awaits Education Secretary Fred Matiang’i in appointing a substantive vice-chancellor at Moi University following the conclusion of interviews on Monday.

The University Council, chaired by Jeremiah Ntoloi Koshal, interviewed six candidates and ranked Isaac Kosgei the best after scoring 76 per cent while acting Vice-Chancellor Laban Ayiro came second with 70 per cent.

Prof Anne Nangulu, who is the deputy CEO at the Commission for University Education (CUE), emerged third with 70 per cent.

Dr Matiang’i is required by law to appoint the vice-chancellor from three names that will be presented to him by the council.

However, the award of the marks to candidates by council members from same ethnic backgrounds has attracted criticism.

For instance, Isabel Kogei awarded Prof Ayiro 41 per cent and Prof Kosgei 99 per cent, while David Rono awarded Prof Ayiro 45 per cent and Prof Kosgei 92 per cent.

READ: Eight dons gunning for Moi University top job

Prof Maurice Amutabi scored 66 per cent, Prof Isaac Kibwage, the current Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Administration and Planning at Moi University, 64 per cent and Prof Joseph Chacha 61 per cent.

Prof Kosgei, who is the current Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, Finance  and Development at Laikipia University, was last year at the centre of protests after local leaders demanded that he be appointed the vice-chancellor.

This is after he topped in the first interview which was characterised by leakages of results by council members to political leaders and candidates.

Dr Matiang’i revoked the exercise and in March this year appointed a new council with the hope of conducting a credible recruitment.