The Council of Turkana University College has appointed Prof. George Chemining’wa to head the University for a six-month renewable contract.
The varsity was previously rocked by leadership wrangles that saw the former Principal, Prof. Thomas Akuja sent on compulsory leave in January to pave way for investigation into alleged financial irregularities.
The Chairman of the Turkana University Council, Solomon Muchina made the announcement on Tuesday, accompanied by other board members.
Chemining’wa, who has been a Professor of Agronomy and Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture at the University of Nairobi takes over from Prof. Fredrick Kassily who has been the acting Principal.
The incoming Principal promised to ensure the institution receives a Charter within the next two years.
“We want to stabilize this institution so when we come here again we not only discuss problems affecting the institution but also development issues, the growth of students, staff, the community and the country at large,” Muchina said.
He said the appointment of the new Principal will bring new programmes that will help the institution grow.
Muchina said they have appointed a substantive full professor to be at the helm of the institution of higher learning for the next six months.
“This is a crucial academic institution and for it to get the much coveted charter we need a full Professor and not an associate Professor to lead the University,” he said.
In July, Muchina addressed the leadership wrangles and the alleged financial irregularities, saying that all positions in the institution are now temporary.
He had said the university council will advertise all the positions so they are filled by a qualified and competitive team that would drive the institution in the right direction.
Prof. Chemining’wa thanked the council and promised to work closely with students, staff, members of community and the entire county.
He said they will also strive adhere to all government directives aimed at containing any further spread of Corona virus.
By Peter Gitonga
