MKU staff sign fresh performance contracts

MKU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Deogratus Jaganyi (left) and the university Council chairman Prof. David Serem sign MKU's 2023 performance contract at MKU main Campus in Thika

Mount Kenya University (MKU) has rolled out performance contracts for its staff members for the year 2023.

The institution’s vice-chancellor, Prof Deogratius Jaganyi says the performance contracts outline specific goals and targets for the university, which are aligned with the university's strategic plan 2020-2029. “The performance contract is a commitment by the MKU top management to the university council,” he said.

The vice chancellor was speaking during a performance contract signing ceremony held at the college’s main campus in Thika town yesterday. “The participation of the university council in the performance contract signing ceremony today demonstrates their obligation to ensure that there is a total commitment to delivery of the 2023 targets,” he said.

Outlining some of the successes of the institution in 2022, Prof Jaganyi said in line with the ICT theme, the university increased online examination proctoring, thus ensuring integrity of its online examination system.  “We have continued to embrace technology in the delivery of learning. For instance, SCORM was implemented fully in Kigali to deliver English courses,” he said.  SCORM, which stands for Sharable Content Object Reference Model, is a set of technical standards for eLearning software products.

“We are currently offering all common units through the SCORM platform. In respect to complying with regulators, we had two audits; one by CUE (Commission of University Education) and the other one, a re-certification audit by the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS. In both, we performed well,” said the VC.

Other achievements in 2022 include construction of a convention centre, lecture halls and hosting an international peace conference as a civic duty to ensure peaceful elections, increase in student enrolment amongst others. “The performance was a collective effort of each Division and Divisional Unit and as the Vice-Chancellor, I applaud the members of the University Management Board for this achievement,” he said.

This year’s performance contract for the Vice-Chancellor and officers who report to him have been prepared in line with the strategic objectives as stipulated in the 2020-2029 Strategic Plan. The theme for 2023 is “Utilization of maximum institutional capacity for optimal performance and sustainability”.

It is expected that the 2023 performance contracts signed yesterday will be cascaded downwards to all members of staff with the aim of attaining the synergetic output.  All staff will sign their performance contracts before the end of March 2023.

To boost the efficiency of the Performance Contract Evaluation Process, the Performance Contract Committee has proposed automation of the PC reporting process for the officers reporting to the Vice-Chancellor as well as the inclusion of work plans for staff members that will have quarterly targets to improve monitoring of staff performance.

Prof Jaganyi assured the University Council that his management team is committed to drive the strategic agenda as stipulated in the Strategic Plan.

Presiding over the function, MKU Council Chairman, Prof. David Serem, recalled attending a similar function at MKU about five years ago to sign his first contract with then Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Stanley Waudo.  “On that day, we all agreed in one accord, that the university has taken the correct path that allows for the signing of Performance Contracts because whatever is measured, gets done, and whatever is done needs quantification,” he said.

Prof Serema said such contracts have been signed every year, noting an overwhelming appreciation by the Council in receiving timely reports of quantifiable performance contract deliverables coming from each of the campus units.  “Your consistency, passion and diligence in all performance contracts - related matters never go unnoticed,” he told MKU staff.

The chairman congratulated the university management for a timely theme that has been chosen for the 2023 Performance Contracts, which is “Utilization of Maximum Institutional Capacity for Optimal Performance and Sustainability”.  The theme focuses on institutional capacity, optimal performance and sustainability.

“The Council commits total and unwavering support to the university administration to ensure that all resources required are availed in line with the 2020-2029 Strategic Plan in order to have adequate institutional capacity for optimum performance,” he added.

Prof Serem said his council appreciates all the milestones put in place to keep MKU afloat despite the current turbulence experienced in various realms both at individual and organizational levels. “Allow me to appreciate the council members and the management team for their continued sterling oversight accorded to this university,” he added.

Also present were MKU Pro-chancellor, Dr Vincent Gaitho and a member of the council, Ms Mary Olubayi.