Outgoing Masai Mara University Vice-Chancellor Kitche Onyango Magak has been demoted for allegedly possessing questionable academic qualifications.
According to reports, the VC was demoted from his role as acting vice-chancellor after it emerged that he attained his PhD from the Washington International University (WIU), which is not recognized by Kenya's Commission for University Education.
Investigations have since been launched into Magak's PhD.
Magak was appointed acting VC at Masai Mara University after the former VC Pro Mary Walingo was kicked out to pave way for investigations into corruption at the institution.
He is now being probed by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
A team from the university raised concerns with Education Cabinet Secretary Prof George Magoha, arguing that Magak did not possess a valid PhD and was unfit to hold the office of VC. This prompted a probe into his academic qualifications.
“The university has not sought educational accreditation and does not have a campus. As recently as October 2012, the Oregon Office of Degree Authorisation stated on its website that WIU is located in the British Virgin Islands and that its degrees are not recognised.
“As a centre that is mandated to combat cheating, plagiarism, academic dishonesty and champion for integrity, we, therefore, urge you to take necessary action,’’ the team urged Magoha.
Magak was replaced by Prof Joseph Chacha who vowed to restore the institution to its former glory and beyond.
“I was the pioneer of this university and it feels great to be back here. I promise to create a leadership system that will ensure teamwork with all the staff, both academic and non-teaching staff.
“We need to redeem the image of this great university,” stated Chacha while taking over," he said
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