The state of university education in Kenya has come under scrutiny, as Members of Parliament expressed their frustration over the absence of representatives from the Commission for University Education (CUE) at a critical National Assembly Committee on Education meeting. This marked the second consecutive time the CUE Commissioners failed to appear, leaving legislators with unanswered questions about the quality of higher education in the country.
This meeting, chaired by Malava MP Malulu Injendi, was a follow-up to inspection visits conducted by lawmakers in April 2024. These visits exposed significant concerns regarding the state of universities across Kenya, including inadequate facilities and a lack of qualified staff, raising alarms about the education being provided to the nation’s future leaders.
Findings from Inspection Visits
The inspection visits revealed a dire situation in many universities, with facilities unable to accommodate the rapidly growing student population. Many institutions were found to lack essential resources, which compromised the quality of education. Additionally, the visits highlighted the severe understaffing of several higher learning institutions, with some universities, such as Kisii University and Koitalel University, operating without qualified personnel. Shockingly, these institutions were hosting PhD students without having any professors on staff, raising serious questions about the standards of education and research guidance being provided.
MPs Demand Accountability
In the meeting, MPs called on the CUE to provide detailed answers regarding the accreditation process for public universities. They sought clarification on the criteria used for granting university charters, the number of charters issued over the past seven years, and the challenges faced by the CUE in maintaining educational standards. The legislators also demanded transparency in the role of CUE and professional bodies in accrediting university courses, including the criteria and costs involved in this critical process.
The absence of CUE representatives at such a crucial meeting only heightened the MPs’ concerns about the oversight and regulation of higher education in Kenya. The Committee on Education emphasized the need for the CUE to appear before the committee, accompanied by the institution’s Commissioners and the Principal Secretary of the State Department on Higher Education, to provide the necessary answers and address the pressing issues facing the university sector.
Challenges in Special Education
The legislators also turned their attention to the challenges faced by the special education sector. They noted the urgent need for improved funding and welfare for Special Needs Educational Institutions, acknowledging the unique challenges these institutions face in providing quality education to students with special needs. The Committee agreed to engage the Ministry of Education on these issues, underscoring the importance of inclusive and equitable education for all students in Kenya.
Moving Forward
The ongoing concerns about the state of university education in Kenya highlight the urgent need for reform and increased accountability. The government, through the Ministry of Education and the CUE, must address the issues raised by the MPs to ensure that universities meet the required standards and provide quality education to students.
As the Committee on Education awaits the appearance of the CUE and other stakeholders, the pressure is mounting on the Commission to provide clear answers and take decisive action to improve the state of higher education in the country. The future of Kenya’s youth and the nation’s development depend on the quality of education provided by its universities, making it imperative for all stakeholders to work together to address the challenges facing the sector.
The Committee’s focus on special education and the welfare of Special Needs Educational Institutions also reflects a broader commitment to ensuring that all students, regardless of their abilities, have access to quality education. This inclusive approach is crucial for building a more equitable and prosperous society in Kenya.
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