Education CS warns universities on poor quality of learning

Education Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has asked universities to ensure their expansion programmes do not compromise quality of education and training expected of institutions of higher learning.

Dr Matiang’i said the government had the responsibility to ensure standards of university education are not compromised by haphazard creation of new universities.

“Universities should ensure they engage qualified staff and provided basic facilities such as laboratories, library systems in line with the Commission for University Education regulations and have links with industries,” he said.

The CS made the remarks during a consultative meeting with chairpersons of councils, vice-chancellors and principals of public universities and constituent colleges at the at the Commission for University Education headquarters on Monday.

Dr Matiang’i disclosed that his ministry, in consultation with professional bodies will harmonise accreditation of academic programmes that universities offer.

He said the recommendations by a committee his predecessor, Prof Jacob Kaimenyi, constituted last month to harmonize the regulations will provide the basis for amendments to relevant laws to create coherence in the management of professional programmes in universities.

On security, the CS asked the universities to engage approved professional security firms.