When MPs accused Education Cabinet Secretary Nominee Prof George Magoha of being mechanical and dictatorial in his administration approach, the former University of Nairobi VC retorted that he is a top grade professor who believes in completing what he starts.
“I am a surgeon, I identify the problem then deal with it and leave… If that’s what you call mechanical then that’s fine,” he said.
When asked about the challenges facing teachers such as strikes over unpaid dues and transfers, he responded saying:
“If you don’t know the problem you have then you cannot deal with it and you must ensure that you consult and consult. You consult even the unions, silently, so that when you come out in public you are not shouting at each other.”
Prof Magoha insisted that corruption in his administration will not be entertained.
“I am not afraid of anyone, my courage must come from God because if I find you earning money that is not yours, I will take it that, that is your choice. If you are required to earn a wage you should work for it,” said Magoha.
“Anyone who chooses to plunder government funds I will not be very kind to them because it’s a choice,” he told the Committee on Appointments.
On the new curriculum that has elicited strong reactions from several quarters and even an apology from President Uhuru Kenyatta to parents and teachers, Prof. Magoha said he fully supports it.
According to him, it is competence-based and will be the ultimate solution for the high rate of unemployment in the country.
“I support it because I have been on the other side looking for employees. Kenyans have certificates in folders and when you look at the person behind the certificate, they are not there, even PhD holders,” he said.
After the vetting session on Thursday, a report will be written and if Parliament endorses it, the President will appoint Prof. Magoha as Education CS.
He will then be sworn into office, taking over from Amb. Amina Mohammed who was moved to the Sports docket after Rashid Echesa was sacked.