Principal says most workers from Mt Kenya region

A college in Murang’a County has dismissed claims of nepotism and tribalism in its hiring.

The Murang’a University College termed the allegations as untrue and misleading to the public.

Speaking to the Press in his office, the college’s principal, Mr Julius Nyabundi, said the claims were aimed at tarnishing the name of the institution noting that more than 90 per cent of the staff come from the region.

“Actually, we have more staff from Mt Kenya region in the institution as compared to those from western Kenya. More so, we inherited them from the college before it was listed as a university college,” Mr Nyabundi said.

He added that the college was a public institution funded by the government and is expected to have a national face.

“So we want to assure residents that we will continue to hire on merit so as to have qualified staff as we move towards becoming a full-fledged university,” said the principal.

This came after the Kikuyu council of elders-Murang’a branch accused the university college of nepotism, corruption and discrimination urging the college to incorporate more locals as members of staff.

Meanwhile, University of Eldoret students want parties ironing out the issues that led to the closure of the institution to move with speed.

Most of the students want the issues solved as soon as possible so that those awaiting to start their industrial attachment in May as well as those scheduled to graduate in November are not affected.

ETHNIC CARD

Uasin Gishu Senator Isaac Melly and some assembly members accused Vice-Chancellor Teresa Akenga of playing the ethnic card in staff recruitment. The politicians also led a demonstration.

However, in an advert in the dailies last week, the university’s senate dismissed the claims, saying regional balance, employment by merit and qualifications are key factors in hiring.

Students interviewed by the Nation are worried that the continued suspension of classes at the university could work against most who are expecting to wind up their course work and graduate.

In an interview, Ms Sally Njeri, a third year student of Sustainable Energy says she is supposed to go for attachment in May and fears the delay in opening of the institution may push exams ahead.

“Should the school re-opening be further delayed, it means exams will be pushed to May instead of April,” Ms Njeri, who was travelling to her Kirinyaga home last Thursday said.

She is scheduled to go for her attachment in May but worries the calendar will have to be changed.

“Some students who are remained with a few semesters and who hope to graduate in December may be affected because about one month is almost going to waste,” she adds.

Meanwhile, some stakeholders have urged the government to thoroughly investigate and solve the issues affecting the university with some staff in the university alleging the vice-chancellor only allows her “supporters” in crucial meetings.

A staff at the University, who did not want to be mentioned, said some people considered “opposing the VC” are particularly left out in meetings they should actually be in attendance.

“It should not be ruled out that this is tribalism, let the government and all agencies investigating the claims, come out and solve the problems before opening the institution,” the employee said.

The University senate’s media stand that Rift Valley claims a 56.5 percent lion share in staff composition, has elicited varied reactions with the locals claiming the region is home to all tribes.

“This is an institution which the immediate locals, Uasin Gishu, feel they should benefit much because they are home to it. So saying Rift Valley is just a gimmick and an idea we don’t buy because all ethnicities are in Rift Valley,” the source said.