Ministry's pursuit to cleanse varsities from rot to continue

Education Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i bonds with Chania Boys High School, Thika, students on February 24, 2017. He said the government will not relent in its pursuit to clean up universities. PHOTO | MARY WAMBUI | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • The CS said the government will not shy from implementing the suggestions made to guarantee quality education for all Kenyans.
  • With regards to discipline, he said learners are on the right track for there have been few incidents in schools.

Education Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i said the government will stop at nothing in its bid to clear the rot in local universities.

Dr Matiang'i said an audit report done by the Commission for University Education was only a pointer to the decay in the institutions of higher learning.

He said the report will be used to rectify the situation.

"To us the report is like a mirror and we are looking at it with a fine toothcomb. We will stop at nothing to ensure that systems at the universities are up to their proper gear," he said at Itibo Seventh Day Adventist Church in North Mugirango, Nyamira County, where he had attended a church service.

Among other sins, the report observed that some students were securing entry to undergraduate programmes using pre-university and bridging courses, which are not recognised in law.

It emerged too that some universities were offering programmes that have not been approved by the commission.

The report that was released at the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development on February 16.

The CS said the government will not shy from implementing the suggestions made to guarantee quality education for all Kenyans.

REGISTER FOR EXAMS

He said for the country to actualise the Vision 2030, proper education is required to enable youth have the requisite skills.

"We are not running away from it. Instead we will look at it and see the areas that need to be addressed and I tell you we are moving in full tilt to address that," he said.

On matters Kenya Certificate of Primary Education and Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education, he said the registration of candidates to sit for the exams will close on February 28.

He told school heads to see to it that all qualified learners are registered.

"We don’t want to do this at the last minute. If there is someone coming late then we will have a different conversation, but I doubt if that is the way to go. For now let the teachers ensure the candidates are registered," he said.

With regards to discipline, he said learners are on the right track for there have been few incidents in schools.

PRAY FOR PEACE

The ministry boss urged church leaders to pray for the county to have peaceful elections.

He said politics should not supersede the harmony of Kenyans.

He was accompanied by the Youth Enterprise Development Fund Chief Executive Officer Josiah Moriasi.

Mr Moriasi said at least Sh11.8 billion has been disbursed to youth groups since 2011 when the fund was launched.

Nonetheless, he decried the low uptake of funds by youth groups in Kisii and Nyamira counties.

As a result, Mr Moriasi said the agency will conduct sensitisation activities to enlighten people on the role and benefits of the fund.

"We need our youth to come and get these monies. It is for them and they don’t pay a single cent as interest. Let them come and get these monies and do business," he said.

At the same time, he observed that Jubilee Party's popularity in Nyamira is on an upswing following sustained campaigns by those seeking seats through the party.