Egerton University students, staff differ over VC term extension

Egerton University Academic Staff Union (UASU) and the student leadership have disagreed over the planned extension of term for Vice Chancellor (VC) Prof Isaac Kibwage.

Kibwage has served for five years since October 5, 2021 and his term was to expire on October 4, 2026.

On June 29, 2026, the Egerton University council, through its chair Professor James Sang recommended the extension of Kibwage’s term for two more years until October 2028.

However, UASU is against Kibwage’s term extension and the union moved to court and successfully obtained orders temporarily stopping the extension.

The union sued Kibwage, the university council, Public Service Commission (PSC), CS Education and the Attorney General (AG).

“Pending the hearing and determination of the union’s application the court temporarily restrains the council, PSC and the CS Education from extending Kibwage’s term as Egerton VC beyond October 5,” ruled Judge Abdi Hassan on July 31.

In its application, the union through its secretary Dr Grace Kibue argued that Kibwage is not eligible for the extension as per the Universities Act and the Human Resource Policies and Manual.

For one to be appointed a VC, the union stresses that the person must be a professor at a university recognized in Kenya.

“Kibwage is a retired Professor and currently not a professor at any university since 2024. He is therefore not eligible to have his contract renewed,” the union stated.

The union deposed that the proposed extension was a violation of the national principles and values on law and good governance and public service.

Another reason fronted was that Kibwage was months away from attaining the age of 72, the post-retirement age, which would allegedly make it illegal.

The union also pointed out that the law, the university's statutes and human resources policy do not provide term extension but rather provide for a renewal of the term for a period of five years.

“A person whose contract is renewed to serve for a second term must be in a position to serve the full term of five years,” the union argued.

They submitted that Egerton University Human Resource does not provide for retirement as one of the possible reasons why the office of the VC can become vacant.

They say they are sure that the board extended the term illegally knowing too well he would retire as a public servant when he gets to 74.

However, student leaders have come out strongly in support of Kibwage’s term extension in a press release.

The students’ representatives denied that they were unduly approached and induced to endorse the extension of Kibwage’s term.

They, however, pledged support for Kibwage, insisting that there were tangible and sustainable measures enacted under his administration that warranted institutional continuity.

“The assertion that student consultation compromises the statutory mechanism of executive evaluation is legally unfounded and unsound,” they deposed.

According to the students, under Kibwage’s reign, the university had transitioned from financial and operational unpredictability to stability.

They added that academic integrity, calendar, predictability and students’ welfare had been restored and learning had smoothened.

“Learning had frequently been interrupted by industrial actions and administrative blockages but the current administration successfully negotiated collaborative engagements, stabilizing the academic calendar so students complete their degree programs within the stipulated duration,” they said.

The administration had allegedly revamped key agricultural income-generating and practical training units in line with Egerton's agricultural core.

Another key aspect was alleged digital transformation, streamlining student services in clearance, course registration and integration with the Higher Education Financing (HEF).

“We support the extension because abrupt administrative shifts during a delicate recovery phase pose severe risks to the academic, financial, and operational gains achieved over the past five years,” the students stressed.