Chancellor Dr. Jared Kangwana has formally been presented with his Honorary Doctor of Business Administration degree certificate of the Technical University of Kenya. The formal presentation of the degree certificate by the University Council Chairman, Dr Idle Omar Farah, happened during a breakfast meeting held at the University. Dr. Kangwana was appointed Chancellor, in April 2024 by President, Dr. William Samoei Ruto, to serve for a period of five years. He was conferred with the honorary doctorate, during the 13th graduation ceremony, held on 26th November 2024.
Speaking during the meeting, Dr. Kangwana thanked the University Council, Management and staff for the honour and warm reception accorded to him. He said, “On my own behalf and that of my family, I wish to take this opportunity to thank you for the honour accorded to me. We are truly humbled.”
While responding to information about the events that happened before and after the recent industrial action by the staff, the Chancellor termed them unfortunate and underscored his commitment to ensuring that such events do not occur again.
“I know the pain staff have been through. I have been in constant touch with the Chairman and the Vice-Chancellor and I can assure you that we are working tirelessly to resolve the issues,” said he.
He thanked the Ministry, University Council and Management for facilitating the signing of the Return to Work Formula (RTWF), which has made it possible for the University to return to normalcy. He said, “It took a collective effort, to reach where we are today. You all did a commendable job.”
Dr. Kangwana urged the Government to support public universities fully just like other parastatals and institutions. He emphasised that universities are centres of excellence, knowledge, research and innovation therefore investing in them will ensure that the country produces graduands who will significantly contribute to its growth and development and therefore technologically change the region.
Council Chairman Dr. Idle Farah, explained that the University faces a myriad of challenges, resulting from financial constraints. He said, “Mr. Chancellor Sir, the problems are touching on human lives and therefore inconveniencing families. Members of staff have experienced delayed salaries, non-remittance of staff deductions, no access to medical cover among other things. This therefore led to the Industrial action.”
“I would like to thank the Ministry, our technical committee headed by Prof. Alfred Orina, for ensuring that negotiations went on smoothly. As a Council, we will do our best by ensuring that pending issues are resolved amicably. We have also agreed as a Council that we will not burden the University given that it is not in good financial position. That is why, we conduct our meetings online,” said Dr. Farah.
He implored the Chancellor to use his influence to ensure challenges bedeviling the University are addressed.
Vice-Chancellor Prof. Benedict Mutua thanked the Chancellor for honouring the invitation. He explained to him the milestones the University had achieved since returning to normalcy.
“We have organized the academic calendar to cover for the time lost during the industrial action. The academic activities are going on well, without any interruption. Some students are already through with their end of semester exams and they will soon resume to start the second semester,” explained the VC.
He further explained that everything was working according to the plan, to ensure that graduation takes place in November.
On SATUK elections that is scheduled later this month, the VC noted that the University Management had held meetings with student leadership and engaged Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) which will be pleased to carry on the exercise.
Prof. Mutua applauded the Research and Innovation which he said was doing very well and therefore attracting grants. He praised the staff for their commitment and urged them to remain diligent, focused and use their knowledge to generate money for the university.
He observed that the huge wage bill was stalling the operations of the university and called for other interventions.
The Council members requested the Chancellor to intervene and ensure that the land that was allocated by President William Ruto, on 8th December 2022, is transferred to TU-K to be utilised for expansion.
Members of Council present included; Dr. Hassan Khannenje, Mr. Joseph ole Nkamasiai, Mr. Wilson Shollei, Mr. Justin Kabuiki and Eng. Justin Runji. TU-K’s Prof. Francis Gatheri Ag. Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics and Student Affairs), Prof. Alfred Orina, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Technology Development), Prof. Paul Wambua, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Institutional Advancement and Enterprise) and other senior members of the management.
