Kenyan legislation

Charter for Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, 2026

Edition: 2025-07-21 · In force

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PREAMBLE

WHEREAS the Government of Kenya, cognizant of the need for specialized and highly skilled engineers, researchers and scientists who are a critical catalyst for industrial and national development, wishes to establish Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and Technology as a specialized institution of national strategic importance situated in Konza Technopolis in the Republic of Kenya;AND WHEREAS the said Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and Technology has applied to the Commission for University Education, for the grant of Charter to provide for the establishment, control, governance, and administration of the Institute and for connected purposes, in the manner prescribed by the Universities Act;AND WHEREAS the Commission for University Education has visited and inspected the said institution, and is satisfied that the objects of Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and Technology are consistent with the provisions of section 24 of the Act and the advancement of university education in Kenya;AND WHEREAS the Commission for University Education is also satisfied that Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and Technology has complied with the provisions of the Act;AND WHEREAS the Commission for University Education has submitted a draft Charter, the text whereof is annexed hereto, to the Cabinet Secretary for Education on the said Institution, and the Cabinet Secretary is satisfied that Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and Technology should be granted this Charter;AND WHEREAS the Cabinet Secretary for Education has, submitted this Charter to me with recommendations thereon;AND WHEREAS Parliament has approved the establishment of the said Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and Technology in accordance with the requirements of the Universities Act;AND WHEREAS, I am satisfied that the granting of this Charter to Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and Technology shall be of strategic national importance, since it shall transform Kenya into a modernised and industrialised country by training specialized and highly skilled engineers, researchers and scientists needed in Kenya and the region;NOW WHEREFORE, by these presents, be it known that in exercise of the powers conferred upon me by section 24 of the Universities Act, I, William Samoei Ruto, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces of the Republic of Kenya, grant the Charter annexed hereto to the Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and Technology.

Part I – PRELIMINARY PROVISIONS

1. Citation

This Charter shall be cited as the Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and Technology Charter, 2026.

2. Interpretation

In this Charter, unless the context otherwise requires—"academic year" means a period of study consisting of two semesters, not necessarily consecutive, and any other additional period of study or research as may be prescribed in the regulations for a particular programme of study, but in any case, the period shall not be less than thirty weeks;"Act" means the Universities Act (Cap. 210);"Alumni Association" means the organization of all graduates of the Institute and such other persons as may be declared under this Charter and the Statutes;"Council" means the Council of the Institute established under paragraph 16;"campus" means a campus of the Institute pursuant to paragraph 10;"Chairperson" means the Chairperson of the Council appointed in accordance to paragraph 15;"Chancellor" means the Chancellor of the Institute appointed under paragraph 14;"Commission" means the Commission for University Education established under section 4 of the Act;"Deputy Vice-Chancellor" means a Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the Institute appointed pursuant to paragraph 20;"Institute" means the Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and Technology;"Senate" means the Senate of the Institute established under paragraph 21;"Statutes" means the Statutes of the Institute made pursuant to paragraph 38; and"Vice-Chancellor" means the Vice-Chancellor of the Institute appointed under paragraph 19.

Part II – ESTABLISHMENT AND FUNCTIONS OF THE INSTITUTE

3. Establishment of the Institute

(1)There is established an Institute to be known as the Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and Technology.

(2)The Institute shall be a body corporate with perpetual succession and a common seal, and shall, in its corporate name, be capable of—

(a)suing and being sued;

(b)taking, purchasing or otherwise acquiring, holding, charging and disposing of movable and immovable property;

(c)receiving, investing, borrowing and lending money; and

(d)doing or performing any such other things or acts, including entering into such contracts as may be necessary or expedient, for the furtherance of the provision of this Charter, which may lawfully be done by a body corporate

(3)The Institute shall be the successor to the Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and Technology University College established under the Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and Technology University College Order, 2022, which was a Constituent College of Dedan Kimathi University of Technology.

(4)The Institute shall be a postgraduate degree awarding institution and shall focus on educating specialized and highly skilled scientists, engineers and researchers in—

(a)mechanical engineering;

(b)electrical engineering;

(c)electronics engineering;

(d)information and communication technology engineering;

(e)chemical engineering;

(f)civil engineering;

(g)agricultural biotechnology;

(h)basic sciences; and

(i)any other field of engineering, science and technology that the Institute may, with the approval of the Commission, consider to be of specialized and of strategic national importance.

(5)Any reference to the Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and Technology University College in any contract or document shall, for all purposes, be deemed to be a reference to the Institute.

(6)The headquarters of the Institute shall be situated in Konza Technopolis in the Republic of Kenya.

4. Vision

The vision of the institute is to be a lead pioneer in research and education, science and technology, and to nurture highly qualified scientists and engineers for Kenya's industrialization and modernization.

5. Mission

The mission of the institute is to nurture highly qualified scientists and engineers by equipping them with theoretical and practical knowledge, conduct socially relevant research and development to improve national competitiveness and speed up industrialization, create social and economic values to improve Kenyans' quality of life.

6. Philosophy

(1)The philosophy of the Institute is to provide students with advanced education in science, technology, engineering and research, which shall be a driving force for economic growth and societal progress.

(2)The institute approach to education shall be progressive, and meant to inspire creativity, practicality and innovation for more meaningful changes in the national economy and society.

(3)The curricula of the institute shall comprise of creative programs designed to offer cutting-edge knowledge and ideas taking into account the social environment and industrial conditions.

7. Core values

The core values of the Institute shall be—

(a)integrity;

(b)dedication;

(c)creativity;

(d)excellence; and

(e)sustainability.

8. Functions of the Institute

The Institute shall—

(a)develop and maintain an all-post graduate institution of higher learning offering high quality education for the benefit of the students and the country;

(b)educate highly skilled scientists, engineers and researchers at the masters and doctoral levels with theoretical and practical knowledge to foster future industries in Kenya and beyond;

(c)conduct research and development to improve Kenya's competitiveness and accelerate industrial growth;

(d)create social and economic values to improve the quality of life of the Kenyan people through various forms of education, and research and development cooperation;

(e)establish partnerships and linkages with local, regional and international universities, research institutions and industry;

(f)establish an endowment fund to support the funding of research, scholarships, and sustainability of the Institute;

(g)mobilize and provide resources for Institute level education and research and for the establishment of schools, departments, centres and such other administrative units for the purpose of enabling the Institute to fulfil its mission;

(h)generate, preserve, process and disseminate knowledge for the betterment of humankind and providing an opportunity for development of intellectual activities, academic freedom and scholarly acumen;

(i)conduct examinations for academic and professional awards as may be provided for in the Statutes;

(j)develop, review and implement academic programmes and determining methods of instruction and research

(k)develop and manage the Institute's land, facilities and equipment to support the goals of the Institute;

(l)develop and establish affiliate colleges and schools, departments, centres for education and other administrative units that the Institute's Council may determine from time to time;

(m)develop and implement an organizational structure that supports the attainment of the Institute's goals;

(n)provide appropriate facilities to promote students and staff welfare and wellbeing;

(o)provide adequate equipment and facilities for high quality education including classrooms, library resources, laboratories, research facilities, and buildings to support various programmes;

(p)establish, manage and award fellowships, scholarships, bursaries, prizes and other such incentives to facilitate study, research and outreach activities; and

(q)develop and commercialize the intellectual property for the benefit of the Institute and the society.

(2)Admission to the Institute as students for degrees shall be open to persons accepted as being qualified by the Senate in accordance with the admission criteria.

(3)The Institute shall charge such fees or levy as may, from time to time, be approved by the Council.

9. Establishment of constituent colleges

The Institute may establish constituent colleges in accordance with section 20(3) of the Act.

10. Establishment of colleges and campuses within the Institute

(1)The Council may, on the advice of the Senate, establish colleges and campuses within the Institute and whose functions shall be as specified in the Statutes.

(2)A college or a campus established under subparagraph (1) shall consist of such schools, departments, centres and other administrative units as may be provided for in the Statutes.

(3)The Institute may, subject to approval by the Council, enter into affiliations or academic linkages with any individual, group or institution as provided for in the Statutes.

11. Conferment, granting, cancellation and withdrawal of degree and other awards

(1)Subject to this Charter, the Institute may—

(a)award masters and doctorate degrees as may be provided for by the Statutes; or

(b)confer honorary degrees or any other academic recognition upon a person who has rendered distinguished service as provided for in the Statutes.

(2)Subject to this Charter, the Council may, on the recommendation of the Senate, cancel or withdraw such degrees including honorary degrees as may be provided for in the Statutes.

12. Award of scholarships

Subject to this Charter, the Institute may award scholarships, fellowships, bursaries, prizes and such other awards which may be provided for by the Statutes.

Part III – MEMBERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT OF THE INSTITUTE

13. Membership of the Institute

The members of the Institute shall be—

(a)the Chancellor;

(b)the Chairperson of the Council;

(c)members of the Council;

(d)the Vice-Chancellor;

(e)the Deputy Vice-Chancellors;

(f)the Deans;

(g)the Principals of constituent colleges;

(h)the Principals of colleges within the Institute;

(i)the Director of Internal Audit;

(j)the Director of Library Services;

(k)the Director of Finance;

(l)the Director of Legal Services;

(m)the Director of Procurement;

(n)the members of the Senate;

(o)the academic staff;

(p)the administrative staff;

(q)the students; and

(r)the Alumni Association.

14. The Chancellor

(1)There shall be a Chancellor of the University who shall be appointed by the President in accordance with the Act.

(2)The Chancellor—

(a)be the titular head of the Institute and shall, in the name of the Institute, confer degrees and other awards of the Institute

(b)may, from time to time recommend for a visitation of the Institute

(c)may, from time to time direct or give advice to the Council which the Chancellor considers necessary for the betterment of the Institute; and

(d)shall enjoy such powers and privileges and perform such other functions as may be provided in the Statutes.

(3)The functions of the Chancellor under paragraph (2)(a) may, in the absence of the Chancellor, be performed by the Chairperson of the Council.

15. Chairperson of the Council

(1)There shall be a Chairperson of the Council of the Institute who shall be appointed in accordance with section 36(1) of the Act.

(2)The Chairperson of the Council shall hold office for a term of four years and shall be eligible for re-appointment for one further term.

16. The Council

(1)There shall be a Council of the Institute which shall be appointed in accordance with the provisions of the Act.

(2)The Council shall consist—

(a)the Chairperson;

(b)the Principal Secretary in the ministry for the time being responsible for university education or a designated representative;

(c)the Principal Secretary in the ministry for the time being responsible for finance or designated representative;

(d)the Principal Secretary in the ministry for the time being responsible for information communication technology or a designated representative;

(e)five members appointed by the Cabinet Secretary; and

(f)the Vice-Chancellor, who shall be an ex officio member and secretary to the Council.

(3)The Council shall be the governing body of the Institute.

(4)The Vice-Chancellor shall be an ex officio member of the councils of the constituent colleges of the Institute.

(5)The Chairperson and members of the Council, other than an ex-officio member, shall hold office for a term of four years and shall be eligible for re-appointment for one further term.

(6)The Council shall ensure that a proper management structure is in place to maintain corporate integrity, reputation and responsibility.

(7)The office of a member of the Council shall become vacant if the member—

(a)resigns from office in writing addressed to the Cabinet Secretary;

(b)is, by reasons of prolonged physical or mental infirmity, unable to perform the functions of the office;

(c)is absent without the permission of the Chairperson from three consecutive meetings of the Council, or, in the case of the Chairperson, the permission of the Cabinet Secretary;

(d)is convicted of an offence and sentenced to imprisonment for a term exceeding six months or more without the option of a fine;

(e)is adjudged bankrupt by a court of competent jurisdiction or enters into a composition or scheme of arrangement for the benefit of creditors; or

(f)dies.

(8)Where the office of a member of the Council becomes vacant, the Vice-Chancellor shall within fourteen days notify vacancy to the appointing authority.

(9)The procedure, conduct and regulation of the affairs of the Council shall be determined in accordance with the Act.

(10)The Council shall exercise prudent leadership, innovative enterprise, and good judgment in directing the Institute and shall always act in the best interest of the Institute.

17. Functions of the Council

The Council shall—

(a)employ staff of the Institute;

(b)approve the human resource instruments and the terms and conditions of service of staff;

(c)provide for the welfare of the staff and the students of the Institute;

(d)make regulations governing the conduct and discipline of the students of the Institute after consultation with Senate;

(e)confer the title of emeritus professor, visiting professors, honorary professor, distinguished professor, singularity professor or honorary fellow after receiving a report from the Senate;

(f)review and approve the Statutes in accordance with the Act;

(g)approve the annual budget of the Institute;

(h)after considering the recommendations of the Senate, determine any fee payable to the Institute;

(i)approve the investment of any money belonging to the Institute including any unutilized income, in such stocks, funds, fully paid shares or securities as Council may from time to time deem fit, in accordance with the applicable law;

(j)subject to the laid down government procedures, approve the borrowing of money on behalf of the Institute;

(k)establish or, where necessary, abolish colleges, divisions, schools, departments, centres and administrative units upon recommendation by the Senate;

(l)approve the recommendation of the Senate on fellowships, scholarships, exhibitions, bursaries, prizes and other facilitation for study and research;

(m)approve the terms and conditions upon which internal and external examiners shall be appointed by the Senate;

(n)appoint committees to act jointly with any committees appointed by the Senate, provided that the Council shall not delegate to the Chairperson or to a committee the powers to approve without further reference to the Council the annual estimates of expenditure;

(o)approve the constitution of the students' association and ensure that the students' association operates in a fair and democratic manner and is accountable for its finances;

(p)monitor and evaluate the implementation of strategies, plans and policies of the Institute; and

(q)annually review the viability and financial sustainability of the Institute.

18. Powers of the Council

The Council shall have powers to—

(a)receive donations, endowments, gifts, grants or other moneys and make disbursements therefrom to the Institute or other bodies or persons;

(b)administer the property and funds of the Institute in a manner and for the purposes which shall promote the interests of the Institute, but shall not charge or dispose of immovable property of the Institute except in accordance with the laid down government procedures and the Statutes;

(c)enter into association, collaboration or linkages with other bodies or organizations within or outside Kenya as the Institute may consider desirable or appropriate and in furtherance of the purpose for which the Institute is established;

(d)determine the provisions to be made for capital and recurrent expenditure and for reserves of the Institute; and

(e)open a banking account or accounts for the funds of the Institute.

19. The Vice-Chancellor

(1)There shall be a Vice-Chancellor of the Institute who shall be appointed in accordance with the Act.

(2)A person qualifies to be appointed as a Vice-Chancellor if that person—

(a)is a full Professor;

(b)is a holder of an earned Doctorate degree; and

(c)has at least ten years' experience in teaching and research at senior level management, and demonstrable leadership in an academic or research institution.

(3)The Vice-Chancellor shall hold office for a term of five years and shall be eligible for re-appointment for one further term.

(4)The Vice-Chancellor shall be the chief executive officer of the Institute and shall—

(a)be the academic and administrative head of the Institute;

(b)have overall responsibility for the direction, organization, administration and programmes of the Institute;

(c)be the accounting officer of the Institute;

(d)be the Chairperson of the Institute's Management Board, the Senate and any other Institute Committee other than any Committee of the Senate, as may be provided in the Statutes;

(e)be responsible to the Council for the general conduct and discipline of the students and staff of the Institute; and

(f)be the Secretary to the Council.

20. Deputy Vice-Chancellors

(1)There shall be a Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics and Administrative Affairs) and a Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and External Affairs) of the Institute who shall be appointed in accordance with the Act.

(2)A person qualifies to be appointed as a Deputy Vice Chancellor if that person is—

(a)a full Professor or an associate Professor;

(b)is a holder of an earned Doctorate degree; and

(c)has at least eight years of teaching, research or industry experience at senior level management, and at least five years demonstrable leadership in an academic, research institution or industry.

(3)The Deputy Vice-Chancellors shall be under the general supervision and direction of the Vice-Chancellor and shall exercise such powers and perform such duties as may be provided for in the Statutes.

(4)A Deputy Vice-Chancellor shall hold office for a term of five years and shall be eligible for re-appointment for one further term.

21. The Senate

(1)There shall be a Senate of the Institute which shall consist of—

(a)the Vice-Chancellor, who shall be the Chairperson;

(b)the Deputy Vice-Chancellors;

(c)the Registrars;

(d)the deans;

(e)the Principal of each constituent college;

(f)the Director Library Services;

(g)the Deans of Schools;

(h)the Directors of Research Centres;

(i)the Director of Quality Assurance Department;

(j)the Director of Information and Communication Technology Directorate;

(k)the Chairpersons of Academic Departments;

(l)the Professors of the Institute;

(m)the Director of Legal Services;

(n)the Chief Medical Officer;

(o)the Chief Security Officer;

(p)a representative of each of the College Academic Boards appointed by the respective Boards from amongst its members;

(q)a representative of each of the School Boards appointed by the respective Boards from amongst its members;

(r)two students' representatives of the students' association, who shall however not be entitled to attend deliberations of Senate on matters which are considered by the Chairperson of the Senate to be confidential, and which relate to examinations, the general discipline of students, and other related matters; and

(s)such other member as Council may determine in accordance with the Statutes.

(2)The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics & Administrative Affairs) shall be the Secretary of the Senate.

(3)The Senate shall—

(a)recommend to the Council the establishment, abolition or harmonization of schools, colleges, departments, centres and other administration units as the Senate may from time to time consider necessary;

(b)make recommendations to the Council for the establishment or abolition of degree programmes and their titles in the Institute;

(c)set the dates of the academic year and to determine the schedule of academic programmes within the academic year;

(d)approve all academic programmes of the Institute;

(e)make regulations governing methods of assessing and examining the academic performance of students;

(f)evaluate academic records of postgraduate candidates for the purpose of admission into the Institute;

(g)regulate the conduct of examinations;

(h)appoint internal and external examiners and recommend to the Council the terms and conditions for their appointment;

(i)approve the examination results;

(j)subject to the Act, approve the award of degrees including the award of honorary degrees and other academic distinctions;

(k)subject the Act, determine which qualifications or credits from other universities or institutions shall be acceptable as equivalent to particular qualifications of the Institute;

(l)determine the procedures to be followed in the conferment of the degrees and other awards;

(m)determine the design of academic dress and specify its use;

(n)evaluate staffing, teaching, and research of the Institute and if need be, make recommendations to the Council;

(o)promote and administer the extra-mural, external and extension work of the Institute;

(p)promote research and innovation work in the Institute;

(q)promote co-operation and linkages with other institutions of higher learning and industry;

(r)make regulations governing the award of fellowships, scholarships, bursaries, prizes and other awards;

(s)develop, implement and promote quality assurance systems and structures in all Institute operations;

(t)promote the welfare of students and staff of the Institute;

(u)propose regulations and procedures for the discipline of students and make recommendations thereof to the Council;

(v)discontinue a student from a programme of study on academic grounds and general disciplinary grounds;

(w)receive proposals from various Boards, Colleges, Schools, Centers and other administrative units and to consider their recommendations and make appropriate decision;

(x)recommend to the Council appropriate criteria for appointment and promotion of academic staff of the Institute;

(y)review the Statutes from time to time and to present recommendations thereon to the Council; and

(z)determine general policy matters relating to the library, laboratory facilities, teaching aids, workshops and such other academic services which are in its view necessary for the furtherance of the academic objectives of the Institute.

(4)The Council shall not take action on academic matters unless it has received a report or proposal from the Senate and the Council may not reject such a report or amend any proposed regulations without first referring the matter back to the Senate.

22. Principals of constituent colleges

(1)There shall be a Principal of each constituent college who shall be competitively appointed by the Council and shall be the academic and administrative head of the constituent college.

(2)The Principal shall hold office on such terms and for such period as may be provided for by the Statutes.

23. Principals of colleges within the Institute

(1)There shall be a Principal for each college within the Institute who shall be appointed by the Council on such terms as may be determined by the Statutes.

(2)The Principal shall be the academic and administrative head of the college and shall, under the general authority of the Vice-Chancellor, have such other powers and duties as may be provided for by the Statutes.

(3)The Principal shall hold office for a term of five years and shall be eligible for re-appointment for one further term.

24. Students' Association

There shall be a Students' Association established in accordance with the Act and the Statutes.

25. Alumni Association

(1)There shall be an Alumni Association of the Institute which shall consist of graduates of the Institute and such other persons as may be provided for in its constitution and the Statutes.

(2)The Alumni Association shall—

(a)promote cohesion among the Alumni;

(b)maintain liaison between the Association and the Institute;

(c)be the platform for resource mobilization for the Institute;

(d)provide mentorship opportunities for the students;

(e)organize meetings, events, and conferences for the Alumni and in collaboration with the Institute;

(f)organize Alumni Chapters in different parts of the world; and

(g)perform such other functions as may be prescribed in the Alumni Constitution and the Statutes.

26. Management Board

(1)There shall be a Management Board of the Institute which shall consist—

(a)the Vice-Chancellor, who shall be Chairperson;

(b)the Deputy Vice-Chancellors;

(c)the Deans;

(d)the Principals of Colleges;

(e)the Director Legal Services;

(f)the chief security officer;

(g)the chief medical officer;

(h)the Registrar (Administration);

(i)the head of quality assurance; and

(j)the Director Finance.

(2)The Chairperson of the Management Board may invite other officers of the Institute to attend Management Board meetings when specific matters pertaining to their departments or offices are being discussed and such officers shall be in attendance and shall not be eligible to vote.

(3)The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) shall provide the Secretariat to the Management Board meetings.

(4)The Management Board shall assist the Vice-Chancellor in the day-to-day management of the Institute and shall—

(a)ensure the efficient management of the human resource, programmes, facilities, resources and finances of the Institute;

(b)coordinate and control the development, planning, management and administration of the Institute in accordance with approved policies, rules and regulations;

(c)develop and implement strategies for the generation of revenue to secure adequate financial support for the Institute;

(d)develop and review policies, plans and strategies and make recommendations to the Council for approval;

(e)oversee the design, procurement and installation of the technological infrastructure required to run the Institute;

(f)review regulatory requirements affecting staff and students, including but not limited to occupational health and safety administration;

(g)coordinate the strategic and development plans of the Institute;

(h)review and submit proposals to the Council concerning annual budgets, development priorities, staff development plans, terms and conditions of service, fund raising strategies, students' welfare, public relations policies, academic partnerships and linkages with other universities, collaboration with industry and any matters related to the development, management and administration of the Institute;

(i)authorize the initiation of legal proceedings or defence or settlement of legal proceedings in the name of and on behalf of the Institute;

(j)propose to the Council rules and regulations for the administration of the Institute and for the execution of its programmes and plans;

(k)propose for approval any Institute charges and fees; and

(l)any other matters related to the management of the Institute.

27. Staff of the Institute

(1)The Institute shall have—

(a)the teaching and research staff; and

(b)the administrative staff,as may be specified by the Statutes.

(2)The members of staff of the Institute shall, subject to this Charter, be appointed—

(a)in the manner and on the terms and conditions of service specified in the Statutes; or

(b)in the case of a person seconded to the services of the Institute from the services of another institution, the Government or any other public service, on terms and conditions agreed on with the Council and the seconding body.

(3)The Council may, subject to such conditions as it may specify, delegate either generally or specifically, to any person, committee, or body, the power to appoint any member of the staff of the Institute.

(4)All members of staff of the Institute shall be—

(a)be subject to the general authority of the Council and of the Vice-Chancellor; and

(b)be employed in accordance with the Statutes or by the terms of a specific appointment.

28. Performance of functions during incapacity of office holders

(1)In the event of the incapacity of the Vice Chancellor, the Council shall appoint one of the Deputy Vice-Chancellors as an acting Vice-Chancellor during the period of incapacity for a maximum period of one hundred and eighty calendar days.

(2)In the event of the incapacity of the Vice-Chancellor and the Deputy Vice-Chancellors, the Council may appoint one of the Principals of the colleges within the Institute as an acting Vice Chancellor during the incapacity for a maximum period of one hundred and eighty calendar days.

(3)In the event of the incapacity of the Vice-Chancellor, the Deputy Vice-Chancellors and the Principals of colleges within the Institute, the Council shall appoint a member of the academic staff at the level of professor as an acting Vice-Chancellor during the incapacity for a maximum period of one hundred and eighty calendar days.

(4)In this section, "incapacity" means absence from Kenya or inability for any other reason to perform the functions of the office concerned or as may be provided for in the Statutes.

29. Convocation

(1)There shall be a convocation of the Institute which shall consist of such members as may be specified by the Statutes.

(2)The convocation shall be convened for purposes of conferment of awards and for such other purposes as may be specified in the Statutes.

Part IV – FINANCIAL PROVISIONS

30. Financial year

The financial year of the Institute shall be the period of twelve months commencing on the first of July and ending on the thirtieth June in the following year.

31. Funds of the Institute

The funds of the Institute shall comprise—

(a)funds as may be appropriated by the National Assembly;

(b)such funds as may accrue to the Institute in the performance of its functions;

(c)such monies as may be donated or lent to the Institute;

(d)the endowment fund;

(e)gifts and trusts from any source; or

(f)monies from any other sources as the Council may determine from time to time.

32. Investment of funds

(1)The Council may, from time to time and with the approval of the National Treasury, invest any of the funds of the Institute not immediately required for the purposes of the institute in securities, treasury bonds, trust funds or in any other securities in accordance with the Public Finance Management Act (Cap. 412A).

(2)The Council may place on deposit with such banks as it may determine, any moneys not immediately required for the purposes of the Institute in accordance with the Public Finance Management Act (Cap. 412A).

33. Unexpended monies

Subject to section 49 of the Act and the Public Finance Management Act (Cap. 412A), any unexpended balance may be carried forward in the account of the Institute from one year to the next.

34. Annual estimates

(1)Before the commencement of a financial year, the Council shall cause to be prepared estimates of the revenue and expenditure of the Institute for that financial year.

(2)The annual estimates shall make provisions for all the estimated expenditure of the Institute for the financial year concerned, and in particular shall provide—

(a)for the payment of the salaries, allowances and other charges in respect of the staff of the Institute;

(b)for the payment of the pensions, gratuities and other charges in respect of retirement benefits which are payable out of the funds of the Institute;

(c)for the proper maintenance of the buildings and grounds of the Institute;

(d)for the proper maintenance, repair and replacement of equipment and other movable property of the Institute;

(e)for the funding of the cost of teaching, research and outreach activities of the Institute;

(f)for the payment of allowances and other charges in respect of the Council of the Institute; and

(g)for the creation of such funds to meet future or contingent liabilities in respect of retiring benefits, insurance or replacement of building or equipment and in respect of such other matters as the Council may deem fit.

(3)No expenditure shall be incurred for the purpose of the Institute except in accordance with the annual estimates approved under subparagraph (2) or in accordance with an authorization of the Council.

35. Accounts and audit

(1)The Council shall cause to be kept all books and records of account of the income and expenditure, assets and liabilities of the Institute.

(2)Within a period of three months from the end of each financial year, the Council shall submit to the Auditor-General the accounts of the Institute together with—

(a)a statement of income and expenditure during that year; and

(b)a statement of the assets and liabilities of the Institute on the last day of that year.

(3)The accounts of the Institute shall be audited by the Auditor General in accordance with the Public Audit Act (Cap. 412B).

(4)The Auditor General shall submit to the Council the report of their audit in accordance with the Public Audit Act.

Part V – MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

36. Instruments of accreditation

(1)The Institute shall conspicuously display all its instruments of accreditation in accordance with section 61 of the Act.

(2)Where an instrument of the Institute is revoked under this Charter, the Institute shall, within fourteen days of such revocation, return the original instrument of accreditation to the Commission.

37. Instruments of authority

(1)The Institute shall possess the following instruments of authority—

(a)the mace;

(b)the common seal; and

(c)the logo.

(2)The common seal of the Institute shall be kept in the custody of the Vice-Chancellor.

(3)The common seal of the Institute shall be authenticated by the signatures of the Chairperson of the Council, the Vice-Chancellor together with any other person duly authorized by the Council.

(4)The common seal of the Institute when affixed to any document and duly authenticated shall be judicially and officially noticed, and, unless and until the contrary is proved, any order or authorization of the Council under this paragraph shall be presumed to have been duly given.

(5)The documents to be affixed with the seal shall be as specified in the Statutes.

(6)person, body, authority or organization performing any function related to administration, registration of companies, business, trade, advertisement, calling, profession, shall use the Common Seal and Logo of the Institute except with the consent of the Council and or authorized representative of the Council.

(7)The mace shall be kept in the custody of the Vice-Chancellor.

(8)The mace shall be used as specified in the Statutes.

(9)The Institute shall conspicuously display all its instruments of authority at such places as the Council may determine.

(10)Where any instrument of authority is revoked, the Institute shall, within fourteen days of such revocation, return the original instrument of authority to the Commission.

38. Statutes

(1)The Council shall, subject to this Charter, make Statutes generally to regulate the affairs of the Institute and for the better carrying into effect the purposes of this Charter, and in particular for the—

(a)establishment of colleges, campuses, schools, faculties, departments, centres and other administrative units of the Institute;

(b)description of degrees of the Institute;

(c)requirements for conferment of degrees;

(d)conduct of examinations;

(e)prescribing fees and other charges;

(f)prescribing the rules and regulations for the conduct and organization of student affairs;

(g)setting the terms and conditions of service, including the appointment, dismissal and recommendation of retirement benefits of the members of the staff of the Institute;

(h)constitution and procedure of the meetings of the Council, the Senate and the Management Board and provide for the establishment, composition and terms of reference of their respective committees; and

(i)providing for or prescribing anything, which, under this Charter may be provided for or prescribed by Statutes.

(2)Statutes shall only be made by a resolution passed at a Council meeting, supported by at least three-fourths of the members present and voting, provided that those present shall not be less than two-thirds of the members of the Council.

39. Protection of name

(1)Notwithstanding the provisions of any other written law, no public officer performing functions relating to the registration of companies, business or societies shall accept for such registration any name which includes the use of the words "Kenya Advanced Institute" together with the words "of Science and Technology" or the acronym "Kenya-AIST" unless the application for the registration is accompanied by the written consent of the Council.

(2)Any person who except with the written consent of the Council, uses the words "Kenya Advanced Institute" together with the words "of Science and Technology" or the acronym "Kenya-AIST" and in furtherance of, or as, or in connection with, any advertisement for any trade, business, calling, or profession, commits an offence and shall, on conviction, be liable to the penalties specified under section 27 of the Act.

(3)Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in this paragraph shall be construed as preventing the bona-fide use by any person of any title in pursuance of the grant to the person of a degree by the Institute subject to the Act.

40. Variation, revocation or amendment of the Charter

This Charter may be revoked, varied or amended in accordance with section 22 of the Act.

41. Repeal and transition

(1)The Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and Technology University College Order (Sub. Leg) is revoked.

(2)Notwithstanding paragraph (1)—

(a)all immovable and movable property and assets of the Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and Technology University College shall, on the commencement of this Charter, be deemed to be immovable and movable property and assets of the Institute;

(b)All rights, obligations and liabilities of the Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and Technology University College shall, on the commencement of this Charter, be deemed to be the rights, obligations and liabilities of the Institute under this Charter;

(c)the members of the Council of the Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and Technology University College shall, on the commencement of this Charter, be deemed to be members of the Council of the Institute for the remainder of their terms or for six months whichever comes earlier;

(d)the acting Principal for the Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and Technology University College shall, on the commencement of this Charter, continue to discharge the responsibilities and exercise such powers as the acting Vice-Chancellor of the Institute for the remainder of the term as provided for in the instrument of appointment or for six months whichever comes earlier; and

(e)all persons who were members of staff of the Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and Technology University College shall, on the commencement of this Charter, be deemed to be members of staff of the Institute in accordance with the terms and conditions of service.

Source: Kenya Law · Imported 4 October 2026