Kisii University Vice Chancellor Prof. John Akama has for the first time spoken about the ongoing debate following an order by the Commission for University Education to close ten of the institution’s campuses countrywide in 90 days’ time.
The commission issued the order on Wednesday last week before revoking five doctoral degrees and other two masters’ degrees offered by the institution in 2014 claiming that they were irregularly awarded.
Prof. Akama on Saturday admitted having received the report by CUE but accused the commission of delay in handing the inspection report.
“I first learnt about the order to close the ten campuses in question from the media and it’s only just few hours ago I received the official communication from them. This is total prejudice against the institution because they (CUE) should have handed the report on time to the institution,” he said.
He refused to link the stalemate to politics but insisted he will appeal to have the order lifted since it would affect thousands of students who had enrolled in the affected campuses.
“This is a tragedy but the CUE is taking it lightly. Of course we may have some short comings but the commission should have recommended specific things to be improved because this is gambling with the future of our students. I will appeal the decision in due course and I would also like to state here categorically that no politics is being played as I have heard from some quarters,” he said.
Among the campuses recommended for closure in 90 days’ time include Eldoret, Migori, Kehancha, Keroka, Nyamira, Isibania and Kabarnet.