New ranking system for varsities planned

A way of grading all public and private universities will be introduced by the end of the year.

Commission for University Education (CUE) Secretary David Some said while making the announcement that the universities would be ranked on a multi-dimensional system by identifying those which excelled in research, sports and other activities.

RESEARCH AND REPORTS

“The ranking system will be based on how students perceive particular universities and how they excel in diverse areas such as academics, research and sports,” Prof Some told journalists after the launching ceremony of the Universities Regulations (2014) and Strategic Plan (2014-2018) at the commission’s grounds in Gigiri, Nairobi on Monday.

The function was presided over by Education Cabinet Secretary Jacob Kaimenyi.

The minister welcomed the proposed ranking system, saying, it would encourage competition in universities.

“The system criteria should be domesticated and the commission needs to ensure it is implemented by the end of this year,” Prof Kaimenyi said.

The Cabinet Secretary also challenged the commission to close all universities offering questionable courses. He said that universities were expected to meet requirements set by the commission.

“If any university fails to meet the mandate set up by the commission, it should not be allowed to offer any courses,” the minister said.
DUBIOUS CAMPUSES

Some universities that were not allowed to operate in other countries had set up institutions in Kenya, he noted.

The current growth and expansion of universities has resulted in an upsurge of dubious campuses, which are claiming accreditation from established universities thereby duping students and the public, the minister said.

He urged the commission not to solely rely on the Exchequer for funding, but instead seek alternative sources of money by encouraging private/public sector initiatives and donor funding.