Overview

Mount Kenya University (MKU) is a chartered University committed to a broad-based, holistic and inclusive system of education. The University is a member of the Inter-University Council of East Africa as well as the Association of Commonwealth Universities. MKU is largely known for its dynamic, comprehensive and thorough academic and vocational training system as well as linkages with internationally reputable institutions. The University operates from the main campus in Thika with campuses in Nairobi, Mombasa, Nakuru, Eldoret and Meru, as well as Open Distance and Electronic Learning (ODEL) centres located in major towns in Kenya, Burundi, Somaliland and Uganda.

In pursuit of fulfilling the Mission and Vision of the University, the Directorate of Human Resource is mandated to facilitate and support the Mission and operations of the University by enabling it to continue attracting, developing and retaining the right number of suitably qualified staff so as to maintain the University competitive edge. MKU invites applications from suitably qualified, visionary, competent, dynamic and experienced professionals with impeccable track record to fill the position of a SENIOR SECRETARY in the office of the Vice-Chancellor.

Qualification

Must have:

• Bachelor's degree in Secretarial Studies or Office Management.
• Three (3) years’ experience as a Secretary.
• OR
• Higher Diploma in Secretarial Studies.
• Minimum of four (4) years of progressive experience in secretarial or administrative roles.
• OR
• Diploma in Secretarial Studies.
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressive experience in secretarial or administrative roles.
• Professional certification in secretarial practice, records management, or office administration is highly desirable.
• Prior experience in a university, public institution, or large corporate environment is strongly preferred.

Competencies:

• Advanced Secretarial Skills
• Attention to Detail
• Confidentiality
• Communication
• Organizational Skills
• Governance Knowledge
• Technology Proficiency
• Interpersonal Skills
• Quality Orientation

Key responsibilities also include

Reporting to: The Vice-Chancellor

Duties and responsibilities:

• Provide high-level secretarial support to the Vice Chancellor’s Office by preparing, editing, and quality-checking sensitive documents while ensuring accuracy and adherence to institutional standards.
• Maintain an efficient records management system by organizing, classifying, digitizing, and securely storing both physical and electronic documents in line with policy requirements.
• Manage all incoming and outgoing correspondence by prioritizing, tracking, drafting responses, and ensuring timely action with no backlog.
• Oversee information flow by managing document inboxes, maintaining stakeholder contacts, and ensuring all communication is accurate, authorized, and properly formatted.
• Support scheduling by coordinating the Vice Chancellor’s diary, organizing meetings, and managing calendars and venue bookings efficiently.
• Assist in planning and executing official events by coordinating logistics, liaising with relevant teams, and ensuring proper setup of venues.
• Provide administrative and ad hoc support within the Vice Chancellor’s Office, including assisting during peak periods and facilitating onboarding of staff into office procedures.

Requirements

Interested candidates to apply through the Mount Kenya online Recruitment Portal http://recruitment.mku.ac.ke on or before 14th May, 2026.

NB: All applications MUST be through the MKU recruitment online portal.

Notes:

• Candidates who meet the requirements should apply through the recruitment portal, and indicate their salary expectations in their attached cover letter.
• Mount Kenya University is an equal opportunity employer.
• The University does not charge any fee for the whole recruitment and selection exercise.
• Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

• Provide high-level secretarial support to the Vice Chancellor’s Office by preparing, editing, and quality-checking sensitive documents while ensuring accuracy and adherence to institutional standards.
• Maintain an efficient records management system by organizing, classifying, digitizing, and securely storing both physical and electronic documents in line with policy requirements.
• Manage all incoming and outgoing correspondence by prioritizing, tracking, drafting responses, and ensuring timely action with no backlog.
• Oversee information flow by managing document inboxes, maintaining stakeholder contacts, and ensuring all communication is accurate, authorized, and properly formatted.
• Support scheduling by coordinating the Vice Chancellor’s diary, organizing meetings, and managing calendars and venue bookings efficiently.
• Assist in planning and executing official events by coordinating logistics, liaising with relevant teams, and ensuring proper setup of venues.
• Provide administrative and ad hoc support within the Vice Chancellor’s Office, including assisting during peak periods and facilitating onboarding of staff into office procedures.

• Advanced Secretarial Skills
• Attention to Detail
• Confidentiality
• Communication
• Organizational Skills
• Governance Knowledge
• Technology Proficiency
• Interpersonal Skills
• Quality Orientation

• Bachelor's degree in Secretarial Studies or Office Management.
• Three (3) years’ experience as a Secretary.
• OR
• Higher Diploma in Secretarial Studies.
• Minimum of four (4) years of progressive experience in secretarial or administrative roles.
• OR
• Diploma in Secretarial Studies.
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressive experience in secretarial or administrative roles.
• Professional certification in secretarial practice, records management, or office administration is highly desirable.
• Prior experience in a university, public institution, or large corporate environment is strongly preferred.