On Tuesday, August 5, 2025, the Technical University of Kenya (TU-K) hosted a benchmarking delegation from Garissa University. The visit was part of a collaborative effort to share best practices in university management and administration. The two-member delegation was from the Office of the Vice-Chancellor, Garissa University. It consisted of Mr. Abdullahi Omar, Head of Administrative Services, and Ms. Asiya Mohammed, Senior Administrator. Their objective was to gain insight into TU-K’s governance structures and operational procedures and policies in the various administrative departments.
During the benchmarking session with TU-K’s Human Resource and Registry team, participants provided in-depth insights on staff management and policy implementation.
Mr. Stephen Karanja, Deputy Registrar, led the TU-K team which also included Ms. Lucy Kangara, Senior Assistant Registrar; Mrs. Lydia Machuki, Administrative Officer; and Mr. Michael Kiruka, Administrative Assistant.
The discussion focussed on TU-K’s policies on staff training and performance evaluation, recruitment and selection processes, as well as its frameworks on diversity, inclusion and equity. Other areas covered include employee relations, disciplinary procedures, staff wellness programmes such as counselling and the university’s annual HR work plan.
During the session, Mr. Karanja emphasised that TU-K remains committed to attracting and retaining top talent. He explained that recruitment planning is done at the beginning of each year, with job advertisements being published internally and externally. The university uses a careers portal to manage applications. Successful candidates go through structured induction. He also highlighted that the university engages with the Public Service Commission (PSC) for the university internship programmes.
On matters of inclusivity, the TU-K team reiterated its adherence to the Employment Act, affirming the university’s commitment to providing equal opportunities for all in hiring and staffing decisions.
Mr. Karanja further elaborated on the HR department's broader mandate, which includes policy formulation in consultation with the Ministry of Education, offering secretarial support to university committees, and overseeing staff development and supervision.
At the close of the meeting, Mr. Karanja thanked the Garissa University delegation for choosing TU-K as their benchmarking partner. He highlighted the mutual benefits of such collaborations, emphasising that both institutions have valuable insights to share in their ongoing quest for excellence. The day concluded with a productive discussion with the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic and Student Affairs, Prof. Maurice Amutabi
