10 | NEWSFOCUS October 9, 2018 www.mygov.go.ke Trades warned over sale of sub-standard farm seeds Some have stocked uncertified seeds which are likely to hurt farm yields along with compromising economic welfare in the community BY MAKAA MARGARET KNA-MERU A grovet traders in Meru County have been cautioned against selling sub-standard products to farmers ahead of the OctoberDecember rains. Speaking during a rainfed farmers’ education day at Kaguru training centre, area sub-county agricultural officer, Joseph Mugambi said traders had an obligation to ensure what they sold to farmers is recommended by the relevant experts in the sector. Mugambi was informed by reports from farmers that some traders had stocked substandard seeds in their outlets which were likely to affect farm yields along with compromising economic growth in the larger community. He urged farmers to embrace the culture of testing their soils in consultation with agricultural experts in the region to be guided on where to buy recommended planting seeds for their respective soil types. The agricultural officer assured farmers of increased yields if only they were willing to closely work with the experts for purposes of being protected from greedy traders who have ventured into the business of packing low quality seeds from their own farms. Mugambi however, urged farmers to bring forth information on any trader suspected to be cheating on innocent farmers as they embarked on planting for the end of year season. Several farm ers claimed to have incurr ed losses after buying the sub-standard seed maize from local outlets. The farmers cited the need for the department of agriculture to be more proactive and establish how the greedy traders were acquiring branded bags to pack the sub-standard seeds else it would remain business as usual at the expense of helpless farmers. A farmer, Jacinta Muthamia, said she had planted maize on a half-acre portion under irrigation during the dry spell expecting to harvest at least 10 bags but to her frustration she only realised seven bags after spending a lot of money for farm inputs. Muthamia appealed to the agricultural department to intervene in time so as to safeguard farmers from losing money to greedy traders who had started pitching tent in almost every shopping centre. The farmer cited the need for professional services to be brought down to the villages saying some farmers were left at the mercy of the traders for not being able to access professional advice and guidance from the sub-county and county offices. She challenged the county officials to ensure the greedy traders did not continue enjoying impunity as they exploited farmers along with jeopardising their income. DECLARATION OF VACANCY FOR THE POSITION OF THE DEPUTY VICE-CHANCELLOR (ACADEMIC AFFAIRS) DECLARATION OF VACANCY FOR THE POSITION OF THE DEPUTY VICE-CHANCELLOR (FINANCE, PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT) The University of Nairobi continues to undergo a purposeful, decisive, and aggressive transformational change. This has enabled the University to ensure that the physical capacities, quality and availability of staff and relevance of academic programs are in sync with the ever increasing demand for access to higher education and leading with excellence. The University is now seeking to appoint a Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic Affairs) who, under the direction of the ViceChancellor, shall be the Head of the Academic Division of the University. Requirements: For appointment to the position of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic Affairs), a person shall: 1. Be a Professor or Associate Professor and a holder of an earned Doctorate degree or equivalent qualification from a University recognized in Kenya; 2. Have thorough knowledge of the structural, legislative and regulatory framework for administering University Education in Kenya; 3. Have at least five years hands-on experience at a senior level in a University or equivalent institution with demonstrable leadership and management capacity including knowledge of public financial management and strategic people management; 4. Be an accomplished scholar with a proven track record in formulating and managing academic programs and supervising and mentoring Masters and PhD students; 5. Have a proven track record of research and publications in peer reviewed journals, monographs and books; 6. Have demonstrable experience in networking, fundraising and resource mobilization; 7. Meet the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution on Leadership and Integrity; and 8. Have a demonstrable experience in transformative and strategic leadership. Core Competencies: The following core competencies and skills will be required for the position of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic Affairs): 1. Ability to portray and uphold positive national image and work in a multi-cultural and multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity to and respect for diversity; 2. Being a visionary and results oriented thinker; 3. Excellent organizational, interpersonal and communication skills; 4. Capacity to work under pressure to meet strict deadlines; and 5. Firm, fair and with transparent management style. Duties and Responsibilities: As per the Charter and Statutes of the University of Nairobi, the duties and responsibilities of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic Affairs) shall be: 1. Preparation of syllabus and regulations; 2. Co-ordination of examinations; 3. Coordinating undergraduate and postgraduate studies; 4. Co-ordination of admissions; 5. Academic staff training; 6. Shall be the Chairman of the Lectureship Appointments Committee; 7. Shall be the Chairman of the Senior Lectureship Appointments Committee; 8. Shall be in the absence of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Human Resource and Administration) or on account of other exigencies of service, Chairman of the Appointments Committee indicated under Statute VB, 5(i) and 5(ii); 9. Perform any other functions pertaining to Academic Affairs; and 10. Carry out such other duties and responsibilities as may be delegated by the Vice Chancellor. Appointment: As per the Universities Act 2012, University of Nairobi Charter and Statutes the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic Affairs) shall hold office for a duration of five (5) years with the possibility of one time renewal for a further term of five years subject to a positive appraisal by the Council. How to apply: 1. Each application shall be accompanied by a detailed Curriculum Vitae, Copies of Relevant Academic and Professional Certificates, National Identity Card or Passport, Testimonials, and other relevant supporting documents. 2. Applicants should submit ten (10) hard copies of their applications which should clearly be marked “Application for the position of Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic Affairs). 3. Applications must be submitted on or before Monday, October 22, 2018. 4. Applications should be addressed to the Vice-Chancellor, University of Nairobi, P.O. BOX 30197, 00100 NAIROBI. Note: The University of Nairobi is an equal opportunity employer. Women, the marginalized and persons living with disability are encouraged to apply. (This advertisement cancels and supersedes the advertisement for the position of Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs) that appeared in the Daily Nation of Monday, October 01, 2018 page 34). The University of Nairobi continues to undergo a purposeful, decisive, and aggressive transformational change. This has enabled the University to ensure that the physical capacities, quality and availability of staff and relevance of academic programs are in sync with the ever increasing demand for access to higher education and leading with excellence. The University is now seeking to appoint a Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Finance, Planning and Development) who, under the direction of the Vice-Chancellor, shall be the Head of Finance, Planning and Development Division in the University. Requirements: For appointment to the position of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Finance, Planning and Development), a person shall: 1. Be a Professor or Associate Professor and a holder of an earned Doctorate degree or equivalent qualification from a University recognized in Kenya; 2. Have thorough knowledge of the structural, legislative and regulatory framework for administering University Education in Kenya; 3. Have at least five years hands-on experience at a senior level in a University or equivalent institution with demonstrable leadership and management capacity including knowledge of public financial management and strategic people management; 4. Be an accomplished scholar with proven track record in formulating and managing academic programs and supervising and mentoring Masters and PhD students; 5. Have a proven track record of research and publications in peer reviewed journals, monographs and books; 6. Have demonstrable experience in networking, fundraising and resource mobilization; 7. Meet the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution on Leadership and Integrity; and 8. Have a demonstrable experience in transformative and strategic leadership. Core Competencies: The following core competencies and skills will be required for the position of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Finance, Planning and Development): 1. Ability to portray and uphold positive national image and work in a multi-cultural and multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity to and respect for diversity; 2. Being a visionary and results oriented thinker; 3. Excellent organizational, interpersonal and communication skills; 4. Capacity to work under pressure to meet strict deadlines; and 5. Firm, fair and with transparent management style. Duties and Responsibilities: As per the Charter and Statutes of the University of Nairobi, the duties and responsibilities of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Finance, Planning and Development) shall be: 1. Management of Finance, Assets and Development Plans; 2. In charge of designing, modeling and managing long-term financial and physical plans; 3. In charge of optimal utilization and investments of the University’s finances and assets; 4. In charge of annual budgeting, planning, monitoring and management strategies; 5. Responsible for provision of accurate and current financial information to support decision making; 6. Shall be responsible for appropriate Finance Management Policies and procedures in conformity with the Constitution of Kenya and relevant laws; 7. Perform any other functions pertaining to Finance, Planning and Development; and 8. Carry out such other duties and responsibilities as may be delegated by the Vice Chancellor. Appointment: As per the Universities Act 2012, University of Nairobi Charter and Statutes the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Finance, Planning and Development) shall hold office for a duration of five (5) years with the possibility of one time renewal for a further term of five years subject to a positive appraisal by the Council. How to apply: 1. Each application shall be accompanied by a detailed Curriculum Vitae, Copies of Relevant Academic and Professional Certificates, National Identity Card or Passport, Testimonials, and other relevant supporting documents. 2. Applicants should submit ten (10) hard copies of their applications which should clearly be marked “Application for the position of Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Finance, Planning & Development). 3. Applications must be submitted on or before Monday, October 22, 2018. 4. Applications should be addressed to the Vice-Chancellor, University of Nairobi, P.O. BOX 30197, 00100 NAIROBI. Note: The University of Nairobi is an equal opportunity employer. Women, the marginalized and persons living with disability are encouraged to apply. This advertisement cancels and supersedes the advertisement for the position of Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance, Planning and Development) that appeared in the Daily Nation of Monday, October 01, 2018 page 35.
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