As higher learning institutions continue to stagger with most now being on the brink of collapse due to financial constraints, proper governance has been cited as key in helping them remain afloat.
Experts in academia uphold that most institutions of higher learning in the country are being run down by governance issues and a lack of visionary leadership to steer them towards growth and stability.
KCA University CEO and Vice Chancellor Isaiah Wakindiki told journalists in an interview that should all organs of governance in the universities undertake their functions responsibly, the insolvent, debt-ridden institutions would be bailed out to avoid a shutdown.
He noted that boards of trustees, university councils, university management and chancellors’ offices have a duty to ensure the institutions of higher learning survive the economic turbulence by remaining true and committed to their mandates.
“Financial distress is just a factor contributing to the collapse of institutions. If we had all organs of governance doing what they are supposed to be doing, some of the problems would be solved, in any institution. Sustainability of any institution is not just anchored on finances but also in governance,” Prof Wakindiki said.
The don pointed out that the leadership of all institutions must be ethical and visionary for the sake of influencing proper decision-making processes and pursuing growth of the institutions for posterity.
“We need leaders who are ethical. You can have good governance but have leaders who are of unethical practices, this will bring down institutions,” the VC said.
He made the remarks at a time when universities continue to cripple over institutional debt, among many other issues.
The new funding model, which categorizes students into different financial bands based on their perceived need, was touted as a solution to the funding crisis plaguing Kenyan universities.
Meanwhile, the newly installed KCA Chancellor Dr Martin Oduor challenged universities to continue driving innovations, fostering global collaborations and addressing humanity's most pressing challenges.
In an era marked by unprecedented change, Dr Oduor cited universities as pivotal institutions in navigating profound transformations.
He noted that rapid digitalization of
education, the impact of artificial intelligence, and shifting societal
expectations have fundamentally reshaped the landscape of higher education not
only locally but at the global level as well.
“To remain resilient and relevant as a university we must embrace a future-oriented mindset,” he noted.
“As varsities navigate the challenges of a fast-changing world, Oduor revealed that issues such as—climate change, public health crises, technological disruption, and social inequality—are too complex for any single discipline to address alone,” he quipped.
He called for the prioritization of interdisciplinary approaches to continuously prepare students not only to master their chosen fields but to connect them to others.
“We equally need to support faculty in forging partnerships that extend beyond their departments, campuses, and nations. In doing so, we will not only address the pressing issues of today but also inspire the innovations of tomorrow,” he noted.
Dr Oduor called on universities to remain proactive in addressing societal needs and fostering local engagement.
“Our success as a university is inseparable from the well-being of our communities, and our mission must include uplifting those around us. Whether through providing access to education, driving local economic development, or addressing pressing social challenges, universities have the capacity—and the responsibility—to be forces for positive change,” he stated.
As centres of knowledge, innovation, and influence, the chancellor stated that varsities are uniquely positioned to lead the charge toward a more sustainable future.
“Sustainability is not merely an environmental concern. It is a call to rethink our relationship with the planet, with each other, and with the systems that govern our lives. As a university we must embrace sustainability as a guiding principle, weaving it into every aspect of our mission. This is no longer an option—it is an imperative,” he told journalists at the university.
Oduor who brings on board a wealth of experience and expertise having had a distinctive and illustrious career in corporate leadership as well as public service replaced Olive Mugenda who has served the higher learning institution as its chancellor since 2019.