Pressure is mounting on the government to resolve leadership gaps in public universities and unlock long-awaited benefits for workers, after the National Assembly’s Education Committee demanded a clear update on stalled Vice Chancellor appointments and delays in implementing revised hardship allowances.
The committee heard that the selection process for substantive Vice Chancellors at the University of Nairobi and Kenyatta University has already been finalised, with names now forwarded to the respective university councils for appointment.
Public Service Commission Chief Executive Officer Paul Famba told lawmakers that the vacancies were declared on December 16, with the application window closing on January 9.
“For the University of Nairobi post, eight candidates applied, six were shortlisted and interviewed on March 19, before three recommended names were approved and forwarded to the university council for appointment,” Mr. Famba said.
“Thirteen candidates applied for the Kenyatta University position, with eight shortlisted and interviewed on March 24 and 25 before three names were submitted to the council”, he added.
Despite the progress, Members of Parliament expressed concern over recurring delays in filling top university positions, warning that extended acting appointments risk weakening management and decision-making in institutions of higher learning.
Committee chairperson Julius Melly urged the Commission to begin recruitment processes early to ensure seamless transitions when terms of office come to an end.
The Commission also disclosed that the search for Chancellors is ongoing in several institutions, including the University of Kabianga, Kibabii University, Kaimosi Friends University, Pwani University and Kisii University.
Attention then shifted to the issue of hardship allowances, where Public Service and Human Capital Development Principal Secretary Jane Kere said the government is now ready to proceed following the dismissal of a court case that had blocked the review.
“The petition was dismissed by the court, which means the State Department and other agencies now have room to proceed and conclude the matter. We will prepare a Cabinet memo for further direction,” she said.
She noted that the proposed structure is set to increase payments for public servants working in hardship zones, with different rates for areas classified as moderate or extreme.
However, MPs questioned the fairness of the current classification system, saying it fails to capture the true conditions faced by workers in remote and underserved regions.
Melly pointed to areas in Taita Taveta County where poor road networks and difficult terrain persist but are not recognised as hardship zones, even as better developed regions continue to benefit.
Kibra MP Peter Orero also raised concerns about inconsistencies in Makueni County, calling for a fresh and comprehensive review.
The committee directed the Salaries and Remuneration Commission together with the State Department for Public Service to develop a transparent and evidence-based framework that considers terrain, infrastructure, climate, security and access to essential services.
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