TU-K has organised a two-day workshop for Chairpersons of Departments (CoDs) to help them get familiarised with the University policies, laws, and systems. Speaking during the launch on Thursday 9th July 2026, the DVC in charge of Research and Technology Development, Prof. Isaac Orina, reminded CoDs that they are the backbone of the University and therefore the management depend on them to help in the running of the institution.

He noted that the workshop will play a great role in helping chairpersons deeply understand the University’s goals, environment, and risks as well as keep their respective departments focused on long-term strategy.

“If there are issues that you can handle, please solve them so that you don’t allow them to escalate further.”

Prof. Orina, who represented the Vice-Chancellor, advised the CoDs to nurture and mentor members of staff working under them as well as young scholars. This, he emphasised, will help in resolving unnecessary wrangles, create good team-work and a conducive environment to work. “Do not deny your colleagues opportunities to grow. Avoid unnecessary conflicts, be understanding, reasonable and fair. Keep records of attendance and minutes of meetings carefully.”

He advised them not compromise on the quality of academic standards whatsoever and tasked them to commend members of staff who worked diligently and perform well in their duties. “Show some appreciation to members of staff who have done well. Such motivation can be done verbally or in written. Handle parents and other visitors courteously, give them a priority, do not keep them waiting for hours. Find out the issues that bring them to your office and solve them amicably.”

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor in charge of Academic and Student Affairs (ASA) Prof. Maurice Amutabi, made a presentation entitled “Academic Leadership and Governance”. He reminded the CoDs about their roles and responsibilities, academic leadership and university governance structures and faculty board and Senate regulatory processes.

The DVC reminded them that they were responsible for the strategic direction, operational management, and performance of their departments.

“Act as the bridge between the Executive Management and frontline staff, ensuring that departmental goals align with the broader objectives of the institution. They build consensus rather than forcing their authority, on others.”

Prof. Amutabi said CoDs provide strong academic leadership in their departments and therefore are required to lead, manage and develop the department to ensure they achieve the highest possible standards of excellence in all their activities.

Apart from running the day-to-day activities of the University, Prof. Amutabi reminded them that they are the resource managers. Therefore, the responsibility of developing, managing and allocating departmental annual budget lies on their shoulders.

“You are managers and champions of the budgeting process, and controllers of vote heads. They are required to allocate resources fairly and equitably. Also, ensure that the department has the necessary equipment, technology, and support to execute your duties safely and efficiently.” 

The Academic Registrar, Dr. Moses Wamalwa made a presentation on Academic Administration, where he took CoDs through student admissions (KUCCPS, Inter-Faculty Transfers, International students, registration workflows, timetabling and room scheduling, comprehensive examination processing via TUSoft, graduation clearance and records.

On Admissions & Registration, he took them through course advertisements, which entails sending approved programmes to be advertised in each admission cycle, student shortlisting, reviewing student applications in TUSOFT and selection of qualified candidates.

Dr. Wamalwa explained how to set up classes, handle new admissions, and process of student transfers.

Student Transfers; Internal Transfers entailing reviewing and approving inter-faculty transfers using Senate rules.

Present were; Dean Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, Prof. Cleophas Maende, Executive Dean Faculty of Social Sciences and Technology, Prof. Maina Matu, Dean Faculty of Applied Science and Technology, Prof. George Amollo, among several heads of units and senior officers of the university.

Several other presentations were made including Postgraduate Academic Systems, by the Director, School of Graduate and Advanced Studies, Prof. Tom Kwanya, ICT Infrastructure and Systems, by the ICT Director, Prof. Salesio Kiura.