While the survival of most local universities is under threat due to financial strains and debts, a university don says ethical leadership and strong governance can save several of them from eventual collapse.
KCA University Vice Chancellor Prof Isaiah Wakindiki said stable institutions of higher learning the world over have been attributed to strong and ethical leaders at all levels of governance.
Addressing stakeholders on the University’s future plans at the Ruaraka Main Campus, the VC said if the leadership of universities can adhere strictly to the University Act, most of them would be stable.
“The main challenge to stable universities is lack of ethical leaders. This can bring any institution down. Also, structures including Board of Trustees, the University Management, office of the Chancellor, the University Council must perform their functions as expected,” Prof Wakindiki said.
He at the same time underscored the need for visionary leaders in those governance structures who can influence and inspire the society.
The aspirations, he said include being responsive to the market and societal demands including offering programmes as per students’ demands.
He said an increase in the number of universities locally over the years, had heightened competition forcing most of them to adapt market responsive strategies to be competitive.
“This has forced most universities to constantly review their curriculum to respond to market demands thus attracting more students and make the institution stable,” said Wakindiki.
This comes even as a number of local universities are feeling the heat, struggling to stay afloat due to financial instability and debt crisis.
Moi University has been in the news in the past few weeks over an impasse pitying the management and academic staff over salary-related demands, which led to weeks of lecturers’ strike.
This halted learning, forcing the government to intervene to save the institution from sinking.
Several other local universities are struggling to stay afloat due to a huge debt crisis and financial struggles.
By Muoki Charles
