The Ministry of Education has opened applications for Kenyans who want to serve as chairpersons and members of councils in public universities and university constituent colleges.
In a notice issued on Monday, April 13, through the State Department for Higher Education, the ministry said it is looking for qualified people to help guide universities in leadership and decision making.
The move comes as universities prepare to receive new students under the ongoing placement process by the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS).
According to the notice, anyone applying for the position of university council chairperson must have a PhD from a recognised university. Those applying as members must have at least a master’s degree.
The ministry also said applicants must have strong leadership and management experience. They must also meet the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution on integrity.
However, the ministry has blocked public servants, university lecturers, and current council members from applying. It said this is to ensure fairness and avoid conflict of interest.
“The Ministry of Education, State Department for Higher Education is in the process of recruiting Chairpersons and members of councils of public universities and university constituent colleges,” the notice reads in part.
The ministry added that it will also consider gender balance, regional representation, and professional experience when selecting successful candidates. Those picked may be posted to any public university or college in the country.
Applicants will also be required to present clearance documents, including a certificate of good conduct, EACC clearance, HELB clearance, KRA compliance certificate, and a credit reference bureau report if shortlisted.
Interested Kenyans have until April 27 to submit their applications either by email or by hand delivery to the State Department for Higher Education offices at Telposta Towers in Nairobi.
University councils act as the top decision-making bodies in institutions. They oversee budgets, approve policies, hire senior staff, and appoint vice chancellors.
This recruitment comes at a time when KUCCPS has already opened applications for students who scored C+ and above in the 2025 KCSE exams. According to the Ministry of Education, 270,715 candidates qualified for university admission this year.
