The Newly appointed Turkana University Council led by chairman Prof. Solomon Muchina has expressed optimism that wrangles at the varsity will be a thing of the past.
Muchina who led the board members in tour at the campus after convening his first council meeting reassured that all senior positions would be advertised and filled competitively.
“Most staff at senior positions have been in acting capacity which has been the cause of jostling for positions sparking undue conflicts among colleagues. Right now all positions are up for grabs and will be advertised and filled competitively to resolve the endless impasse” said Muchina.
Before the COVID19 pandemic, the institution was faced with serious leadership wrangles including corruption allegations leveled against the institution’s Principal Prof. Thomas Akuja forcing the previous Council to send the former principal on compulsory leave pending investigation over allegations of mismanagement of the institution’s funds and leadership.
Prof Frederick Kassily was appointed to act as varsity principal.
The new chair paid a courtesy call to the Governor Turkana County at the County Headquarters and then proceeded to the University where he met some MPs in a meeting before meeting with the Institution staff.
Prof Muchina said leaders asked for more government support for needy students and promised to look into the matter.
He later addressed the Media saying he has had a fruitful discussion with leaders who promised to support the instruction and students once studies resume.
Prof Muchina said the university with covid 19 pandemic learning would not be normal adding that the institution would enhance its e-learning platform.
He said the varsity had allocated resources for bundles to support the e-learning platform.
He also said there are plans to increase number of schools at the varsity from three to five in the next two years.
Other council members who accompanied him were Oliver Erupe, Felix Odimmasi, Lucy Mulili, Mercy Wanjiku, Solomon Ngahu, Justus Wambutura and Gerald Mwangi.
By Peter Gitonga
