The Charter for Kiriri Women's University of Science and Technology

Section 1. Short title Section This Charter may be cited as the Kiriri Women’s University of Science and Technology Charter.

Section 2. Interpretation Section In this Charter, unless the context otherwise requires— "academic staff" means a person who is appointed to teach, train or do research at the University and any other employee designated as such by the Council under paragraph 25 of this Charter; "Act" means the Universities Act (Cap. 210); "administrative staff" means staff responsible for the administrative duties in the University established under paragraph 25 of this Charter; "Alumni Association" means the association of past students and such other persons as maybe declared to be members under paragraph 18 of this Charter and the Statutes; "Board" means the Board of Trustees of Kiriri Women’s University of Science and Technology established under paragraph 14 of this Charter; "Council" means the Council established under paragraph 16 of this Charter; "College" means an academic unit of the University made up of faculties’ schools or institutes and includes a Constituent College under paragraphs 7 and 8 of this Charter; "Chancellor" means the Chancellor of the University appointed under paragraph 15 of this Charter; "Dean" means a person appointed to head a faculty, school or an institute of t...

Section 3. Establishment and incorporation of the University Section 3(1) There is hereby established a university to be known as the Kiriri Women’s University of Science and Technology. Section 3(2)(a) suing and being sued; Section 3(2)(b) taking, purchasing or otherwise acquiring, holding, charging and disposing of movable and immovable property; Section 3(2)(c) receiving, investing, borrowing or lending money; Section 3(2)(d) entering into contracts; Section 3(2)(e) receiving bequests and gifts which shall be sued for the purposes stated by the persons making such bequests and gifts; and Section 3(2)(f) doing or performing all such other duties or acts for the proper performance of its functions, and under, and for the furtherance of the provisions of this Charter, which may lawfully be done or performed by a body corporate. Section 3(3) The University shall be the successor to Kiriri Women’s University of Science and Technology established under Letter of Interim Authority issued in 2002. Section 3(4) All rights, duties, obligations, liabilities and assets held by the Kiriri Women’s University of Science and Technology or by anybody on behalf of the Kiriri Women’s University of...

Section 4. The Vision and Mission Section 4(1) Vision: A leading women’s University of academic excellence, intellectual growth, research and social responsibility in science and technology. Section 4(2) Mission: To educate and train high achieving professional and ethical women leaders in academics, research and community engagements so as to flourish in the modern technologies and innovation in an ever competitive global environment.

Section 5. Philosophy Section The University is committed to producing a holistic, trained competent women leaders and scholars with capacity to offer guidance and solutions that are able to deal with contemporary issues through development of intellect, skills, attitudes, and values through quality teaching and learning.

Section 6. Objects and Functions of the University Section 6(1)(a) promoting the development and expansion of higher education opportunities for advancement of knowledge through teaching, scholarly research and scientific investigation; Section 6(1)(b) promoting development of students’ welfare and society in general for attainment of academic excellence; Section 6(1)(c) promoting of cultural and social life of society through corporate social responsibility; Section 6(1)(d) providing an environment that nurtures excellence and high standards of professionalism in teaching, learning, research and community service; Section 6(1)(e) disseminating of the outcomes of the research conducted by the University to the general community; Section 6(1)(f) promoting human resource development and proactive management practices as well as good governance to enhance service delivery; Section 6(1)(g) supporting gender balance and equality of opportunity among employees; Section 6(1)(h) promoting of equalization for persons with disabilities, minorities and other marginalized groups; Section 6(1)(i) facilitating of life-­long learning through provision of adult and continuing education; and Sectio...

Section 7. Establishment of Colleges and Campuses within the University Section 7(1) The Council may, on the advice of the Senate, establish Colleges and Campuses whose functions and powers shall be provided for in the Statutes. Section 7(2) A College or Campus established shall consist of such faculties, schools, institutes, departments, directorates, centres and other resource and administrative units as may be provided for by the Statutes.

Section 8. Establishment of Constituent Colleges Section The Cabinet Secretary may, on the advice of the Council and on the recommendation of the Commission for University Education, by order published in the Gazette , establish or declare an institution of learning or higher education or any other training establishment to be a constituent College of the University.

Section 9. Conferment, granting, cancellation and withdrawal of Degrees, Diplomas, Certificates and other Awards Section 9(1)(a) grant diplomas or certificates or other awards; Section 9(1)(b) confer the degrees of Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctorate and such other qualifications as may be provided for by the Statutes; or Section 9(1)(c) confer honorary degrees or any other academic distinction to a person who has rendered distinguished service to the advancement of any branch of learning or who has otherwise rendered service in any field of human endeavor worthy of such a degree or academic distinction as may be provided for in the Statutes. Section 9(2) Subject to this Charter, the Council may, on the recommendation of the Senate, cancel or withdraw such certificates, diplomas, degrees, including honorary degrees, or any other awards as may be provided for in the Statutes.

Section 10. Award of Scholarships Section Subject to this Charter, the University may award scholarships, bursaries and prizes and make other awards which may be provided for by the Statutes.

Section 11. Membership of the University Section 11(1)(a) the Sponsor; Section 11(1)(b) the Board of Trustees; Section 11(1)(c) the Chancellor; Section 11(1)(d) the University Council; Section 11(1)(e) the Vice-­Chancellor; Section 11(1)(f) the Deputy Vice-­Chancellors; Section 11(1)(g) the members of the Council; Section 11(1)(h) the members of the Senate; Section 11(1)(i) the Principals of constituent colleges; Section 11(1)(j) the principals of colleges within the University; Section 11(1)(k) the Deans; Section 11(1)(l) the Academic Staff; Section 11(1)(m) the University Registrars; Section 11(1)(n) the University Librarian; Section 11(1)(o) the Finance officer; Section 11(1)(p) the chief legal officer; Section 11(1)(q) the Medical Officer; Section 11(1)(r) the staff of the University; Section 11(1)(s) the students; Section 11(1)(t) the convocation; Section 11(1)(u) the Alumni; and Section 11(1)(v) such other members of staff of the University, or of any other body, formally admitted into association with the University, as the Council may determine from time to time. Section 11(2) A member of the University shall enjoy such rights and privileges as may be provided for in the St...

Section 12. Governance of the University Section 12(1)(a) the Sponsor; Section 12(1)(b) the Board of Trustees; Section 12(1)(c) the Chancellor; Section 12(1)(d) the University Council; Section 12(1)(e) the Students’ Association; and Section 12(1)(f) the Alumni Association. Section 12(2) The Governance organs may set up committees to perform such functions as stipulated by the Statutes.

Section 13. The Sponsor Section 13(1) The Sponsor of the University is Kiriri Women’s University Company Limited. Section 13(2)(a) appoint members of the Board of Trustees; Section 13(2)(b) receive reports on the operations and progress of the University; Section 13(2)(c) receive certified copies of the annual Auditors report; Section 13(2)(d) initiate the process of variation of this Charter; and Section 13(2)(e) in consultation with the Cabinet Secretary and the Commission appoint a person to administer or manage the University in the event of revocation of this Charter.

Section 14. The Board of Trustees Section 14(1) The Board of Trustees of the University shall be the Kiriri Women’s University Trust, which is a body corporate with perpetual succession under the Trustees (Perpetual Succession Act) ( Cap 164 ) of the Laws of Kenya. Section 14(2) The Board of Trustees shall act and exercise all legal rights, powers and privileges of the University as provided for in the Statutes. Section 14(3)(a) appoint or remove from office the Chairperson and members of the Council; Section 14(3)(b) raise funds for the benefit of the University in accordance with any written law or financing arrangement; Section 14(3)(c) promote the objects of the University; and Section 14(3)(d) appoint the Chancellor.

Section 15. The Chancellor Section 15(1) The Board of Trustees shall, in consultation with the Sponsor, appoint the Chancellor of the University. Section 15(2) The Chancellor shall hold office for a term of five years, and shall be eligible for re-­appointment for one further term. Section 15(3)(a) shall be the titular head of the University and shall, in the name of the University, confer degrees and grant diplomas, certificates and other awards of the University; Section 15(3)(b) may, from time to time, recommend to the Board of Trustees a visitation of the University in such a manner as shall be described in the statutes; Section 15(3)(c) may, from time to time give advice to the Council which the Chancellor considers necessary for the betterment of the University; Section 15(3)(d) shall enjoy such powers and privileges and perform such other functions as may be provided in the statutes. Section 15(4) The functions of the Chancellor under subparagraph (3) may, in the absence or during the period of incapacity of the Chancellor, be performed by the Chairperson of the Council subject to a maximum of three months. Section 15(5) The procedure for the appointment of the Chancellor sh...

Section 16. The Council Section 16(1)(a) the Chairperson who shall be appointed by the Board of Trustees and shall have at least a Master’s degree from a recognized University and experience in management; Section 16(1)(b) one person with over five years’ experience in auditing, and who is a member in good standing of the profession, appointed by the Board of Trustees; Section 16(1)(c) one person of integrity and wide experience in finance who should be a member in good standing of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya for over seven years, appointed by the Board of Trustees; Section 16(1)(d) one female Professor, with over ten years’ experience in the management of university education appointed by the Board of Trustees; Section 16(1)(e) one person in leadership position either in public or private sector appointed by Board of Trustees; Section 16(1)(f) one person appointed by the Sponsor from amongst its members; Section 16(1)(g) an advocate of the High Court of Kenya with over five years’ post admission experience in a university environment; Section 16(1)(h) two senior academic scholars who are not employees of the University appointed by the Board of Trustees...

Section 17. Functions of the Council Section promote objects of the University;

Section 18. Students association Section 18(1) There shall be a Students’ Association of the University as provided for in the Act. Section 18(2) The Student Association shall elect a Student Council in accordance with the Act. Section 18(3)(a) overseeing and planning, in consultation with the Senate and the University Management Board, students’ activities for the promotion of academic, spiritual, moral, harmonious communal life and social well-­being; Section 18(3)(b) drawing the attention of the appropriate authorities, where necessary, to the special needs of the students; Section 18(3)(c) undertaking such other functions as may be provided in its governance instruments approved by the Senate; and Section 18(3)(d) undertaking such other functions as provided in its governance instrument as approved by the Council.

Section 19. Alumni Association Section 19(1) There is established an Alumni Association of the University as provided for in the Act. Section 19(2) The Alumni Association shall consist of graduates of the University and such other persons as may be provided for in the Statutes. Section 19(3)(a) bringing together graduates of the University; Section 19(3)(b) engaging in fund raising activities to assist the University; Section 19(3)(c) promoting the University’s welfare and image; Section 19(3)(d) promoting cooperation between the University and industry; and Section 19(3)(e) promoting academic and professional excellence. Section 19(4) The Alumni Association shall govern the conduct of its proceedings. Section 19(5) The Alumni Association may meet and discuss any matters relating to the University and shall transmit its resolutions to the Vice-­Chancellor.

Section 20. The Vice-Chancellor Section 20(1) There shall be a Vice-­Chancellor of the University who shall be appointed by the Council and who shall be the Chief Executive of the University. Section 20(2) The Vice-­Chancellor shall be the holder of a Doctor of Philosophy degree and have experience in the management of Universities. Section 20(3)(a) be the academic and administrative head of the university; Section 20(3)(b) have the overall responsibility for the direction, organization, administration and programmes of the university; Section 20(3)(c) have such responsibilities and duties as may be provided for in this Charter and the Statutes; and Section 20(3)(d) assume administrative responsibilities for the day-­to-­day running of the University and its management. Section 20(4)(a) provide leadership in achieving the vision and the mission of the University; Section 20(4)(b) direct, promote and co-­ordinate all the programmes and activities of the University; Section 20(4)(c) act as the representative of the University and be its spokesperson on its external relations; Section 20(4)(d) preside over the Senate and the Management Board in accordance with the Statutes; Section 20...

Section 21. The Senate Section 21(1)(a) the Vice-­Chancellor, who shall be the Chairperson; Section 21(1)(b) the Deputy Vice-Chancellors; Section 21(1)(c) the Principals of each College and Campus of the University; Section 21(1)(d) the Professors of the University; Section 21(1)(e) the Deans and Directors of faculties, schools and Institutes; Section 21(1)(f) the University Registrar; Section 21(1)(g) the University Librarian; Section 21(1)(h) the director of Enrollment Management; Section 21(1)(i) the director of Quality Assurance; Section 21(1)(j) the Chief Legal Officer; Section 21(1)(k) the Chief Medical Officer; Section 21(1)(l) the Chief Security Officer; Section 21(1)(m) four members elected by the academic staff whose appointment may be prescribed by the Statutes; Section 21(1)(n) two students elected by the Students Association who shall however not attend meetings that are deemed to be confidential or touching on academic matters; and Section 21(1)(o) such other member as may be provided for in the Statutes or co-­opted by the Senate. Section 21(2) The Deputy Vice-­Chancellor (Academic and Students Affairs) shall be the Secretary to the Senate. Section 21(3)(a) to recomm...

Section 22. The University Management Board Section 22(1)(a) the Vice–Chancellor, who shall be the Chairperson; Section 22(1)(b) the Deputy Vice-­Chancellors; Section 22(1)(c) the Principals of Constituent Colleges; Section 22(1)(d) the Principals of colleges and campuses; Section 22(1)(e) the Registrars; Section 22(1)(f) the Finance Manager; Section 22(1)(g) the Chief Medical Officer; Section 22(1)(h) the Chief Legal officer; Section 22(1)(i) the Chief Security Officer; Section 22(1)(j) the Deans of Schools or Faculty; Section 22(1)(k) the Dean of Students; Section 22(1)(l) the University Librarian; Section 22(1)(m) the Heads of Colleges, Campuses, Institutes and Schools; and Section 22(1)(n) any other member as may be provided for in the Statutes, or co-­opted by the Management Board. Section 22(2)(a) ensure efficient management of the personnel, facilities and finances of the University; Section 22(2)(b) plan for the development and the needs of the University; Section 22(2)(c) prepare, in consultation with the Senate, the annual plans and budgets for submission to the Council for approval and on ward transmission to the Board of Trustees; Section 22(2)(d) develop strategies for...

Section 23. The Deputy Vice-Chancellors Section 23(1) The Council shall appoint one or more Deputy Vice-­Chancellors, who shall, under the general authority of the Vice-­Chancellor, exercise such powers and perform such duties as may be assigned by the Statutes or the instrument of appointment. Section 23(2) The Deputy Vice-­Chancellors shall be responsible to the Vice-­Chancellor and shall support and assist the Vice-­Chancellor in the management of the University.

Section 24. Principals of colleges and campuses within the University Section 24(1) There shall be Principals of Colleges or Directors of Campuses within the University who shall be appointed in accordance with the Statutes of the University. Section 24(2) The Principals of Colleges or Directors of Campuses shall report to the Vice-­ Chancellor and in that regard assist the Vice-­Chancellor in direction, organization, administration and programmes of Colleges or Campuses.

Section 25. Principals of Constituent Colleges Section The Council may, in consultation with the Senate, appoint the Principals of Constituent Colleges of the University who shall be responsible for the administration of the Constituent College, and in that regard shall give direction, organization, administration and programmes of the Constituent College.

Section 26. Staff of the University Section 26(1)(a) the academic staff who shall consist of the Vice-­Chancellor, Deputy Vice-­Chancellors, Principals of Constituent Colleges and Colleges within the University, Professors, Librarian of the University and all members of staff who are engaged in teaching, research or extension in the University. Section 26(1)(b) the administrative or management staff shall consist of members of staff not engaged in teaching or research work. Section 26(1)(c) the technical staff of the University shall consist of those staff engaged in laboratory, field instruction, workshops and such similar environment in the teaching department under the general direction of the heads of the teaching departments, and as Council may from time to time determine. Section 26(1)(d) the support staff of the University shall consist of those staff engaged in general duties as the Council may from time to time determine. Section 26(2) The duties and responsibilities of University staff shall be as prescribed by the Statutes or in the instruments of appointment. Section 26(3) The members of the University staff shall be subject to the authority of the Council through the V...

Section 27. Performance of duties during the incapacity of an office holder Section 27(1) In the event of the incapacity of the Vice-­Chancellor, the Council shall appoint one of the Deputy Vice-­Chancellors to carry out the functions of the Vice-­Chancellor during the period of incapacity for a maximum period of one hundred and eighty calendar days. Section 27(2) In the event of the simultaneous incapacity of the Vice-­Chancellor and the Deputy Vice-­Chancellors, the University Council shall appoint one of the senior academic staff within the University to perform the functions of the Vice-­Chancellor during the incapacity for a maximum period of one hundred and eighty calendar days. Section 27(3) In the event of the simultaneous incapacity of the Vice-­Chancellor, the Deputy Vice-­Chancellors, and the Principals of Colleges within the University, the University Council shall appoint a member of the academic staff at the level of a professor to perform the functions of the Vice-­Chancellor during the incapacity for a maximum period of one hundred and eighty calendar days. Section 27(4) In this paragraph, "incapacity" includes absence from Kenya or inability for any other reason to...

Section 28. Financial Year Section 28(1) The financial year of the University shall be the period of twelve months commencing on the first day of January and ending on the thirty first day of December each year. Section 28(2) In the event of any change in the financial year and for the transition from the old financial year to the new financial year, consequent upon the changes, the transitional period, whether more or less than twelve months, shall be deemed, for the purposes of this Charter, to be a financial year.

Section 29. Sources of University Funds Section tuition fees and other charges;

Section 30. Investment of University Funds Section 30(1) The University may invest any of the University funds in investments portfolios approved by the Council. Section 30(2) The Council may place or deposit with such banks or financial institutions, as it may determine, any fund not immediately required for use by the University. Section 30(3) The Council in consultation with the Board of Trustees may create or appoint other corporate bodies to manage its investments, pensions, provident funds and properties.

Section 31. University Annual Budget Section 31(1) Six months before the commencement of a financial year, the Council shall cause to be prepared an annual budget of estimates or revenue and expenditure of the University for that year. Section 31(2)(a) the payment of the salaries, allowances and other charges in respect of the staff of the University; Section 31(2)(b) the payment of the pensions, gratuities and other charges in respect of retirement benefits which are payable out of the funds of the University; Section 31(2)(c) the funding of the cost of institutional scholarships, teaching and research activities; Section 31(2)(d) the development of the fiscal plan; Section 31(2)(e) the proper maintenance of the building and grounds of the University; Section 31(2)(f) the proper maintenance, repair and replacement of the equipment and other movable property of the University; and Section 31(2)(g) the creation of such reserve funds to meet future or contingent liabilities in respect of retirement benefits, insurance or replacement of buildings or equipment, or in respect of such other matters as the Board of Trustees deem fit. Section 31(3) The annual budget shall be approved by th...

Section 32. Accounts and Audit Section 32(1) The Council shall cause to be kept proper books and records of accounts of Income and expenditure, assets and liabilities of the University. Section 32(2) The accounts of the University shall be audited annually by a firm of external auditors appointed by the Council. Section 32(3) An auditor appointed under subparagraph (2) above shall report directly to the Council. Section 32(4) The fees for the external auditors shall be fixed and paid by the Council. Section 32(5) Within a period of three months from the end of each fiscal year, the Vice-­Chancellor shall submit to the Council audited accounts of the University. Section 32(6) The University shall maintain an internal audit function.

Section 33. Instruments of Authority Section 33(1) The symbols of authority shall be the Mace, Seal and Logo. Section 33(2) The University mace shall be the symbol of power and shall be stored, displayed, and used as provided for in the Statutes. Section 33(3) The Common Seal of the University shall be kept in such custody under the Vice-Chancellor and shall be used upon the order and direction of the University Council, or the Vice-Chancellor. Section 33(4) The Common Seal of the University shall be authenticated by the signature of the Chairperson of the University Council or the Vice-Chancellor as shall be authorized by the University Council. Section 33(5) The Common Seal of the University when affixed to any document and duly authenticated under this paragraph shall be judicially and officially noticed, and any necessary order or authorization of the University Council or the Vice-Chancellor under this paragraph shall be deemed to be duly given, unless the contrary is proved.

Section 34. The Statutes Section establishment of Colleges, schools, institutes, parks and centres of the University;

Section 35. Instruments of accreditation Section The University shall display all its instruments of accreditation conspicuously and at such places as the Vice Chancellor may elect.

Section 36. Protection of Name Section 36(1) Notwithstanding the provisions of any other written law, no public officer performing the functions relating to the registration of companies or business names, shall accept for such registration any name which includes together the word "University" and the word "Kiriri" unless the application for such registration is accompanied by the written consent of the Council. Section 36(2) Any person who, except with written consent of the Council, uses the word "University" and the name "Kiriri" in furtherance of, or in connection with any advertisement for any trade, business, calling or profession shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine not exceeding one million shillings, or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years or to both. Section 36(3) Notwithstanding subparagraph (3), nothing in this paragraph shall be construed as preventing the bona fide use by any person of any title in pursuance of the grant of any degree, diploma or certificate of the University.

Section 37. Convocation Section 37(1) There shall be a Convocation of the University which shall consist of such members as prescribed by the Statutes. Section 37(2) The Convocation shall be convened for purposes of conferment of awards and for such other functions as may be outlined in the Statutes.

Section 38. Variation and Revocation of this Charter Section This Charter may be varied or revoked in accordance with the Act.

Section 39. Transitional Section 39(1) The Council in place immediately before the grant of this Charter, shall continue to be in place for a period of six months after which appointments shall be done in accordance with this Charter. Section 39(2) The Council in place immediately before the grant of this Charter may make Statutes for the University under this Charter and the Statutes so made shall be deemed to be made under this Charter. Section 39(3) The persons occupying the positions of the Vice-­Chancellor and the Deputy Vice-­Chancellors of the University immediately before the grant of this Charter, shall continue to discharge their responsibilities and exercise such powers as set out in their instrument of appointment. Section 39(4) Any person who is a member of staff of the Kiriri Women’s University of Science and Technology operating under Letter of Interim Authority, immediately before the appointed day shall be deemed to be a member of staff of the University under the same terms and conditions. Section 39(5) All the students of the University, who were pursuing degrees, diploma, certificate, and post degree programmes as at the commencement date of this Charter, shall...

Section 40. Dissolution of the University Section Subject to the provisions of this Charter, in the event of the dissolution or winding up of the University, after the satisfaction of all its debts and liabilities, the remainder of funds, assets or properties will be vested in the University Board of Trustees.