Proposed law relaxes foreign varsity rules

Deputy President William Ruto (left) and Commission for University Education CEO Prof David Some at Eldoret Polytechnic's graduation ceremony, on July 5, 2013. The Commission for University Education is mandated to accredit all foreign universities intending to offer higher education in Kenya. PHOTO | JARED NYATAYA | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • If the amendments are passed, foreign universities will be required to apply for accreditation as private universities and will ensure that not less than a third of the representatives on the board of trustees are Kenyans, who reside in the country.

Foreign universities will be able to roll out their programmes without having to partner with local institutions, if a new Bill is passed.

The Bill seeks to change the law, which makes it mandatory for such universities to collaborate with local institutions.

If the amendments are passed, foreign universities will be required to apply for accreditation as private universities and will ensure that not less than a third of the representatives on the board of trustees are Kenyans, who reside in the country.

According to the Universities Act of 2012, the Commission for University Education is mandated to accredit all foreign universities intending to offer higher education in Kenya.

The Bill also gives private universities, which have a charter, powers to enter into financial arrangements for funding.

Private universities have welcomed the proposal, saying it will enable them to get more resources for better management.

At the same time, private universities will have a seat on the Pharmacy and Poisons Board. There is only one slot for the University of Nairobi.