Matiang’i summons management of Kisii, Laikipia universities
What you need to know:
- Dr Matiang’i is expected on Wednesday morning to meet the management of Kisii University and later in the afternoon to meet with Laikipia University management.
- The meeting to be also attended by Commission for University Education (CUE) which regulates university education is also expected to address the deteriorating quality of education in universities due to unplanned expansion.
Education Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has summoned the councils for Kisii and Laikipia Universities to explain the closure of their 11 campuses for failure to meet required standards and regulations.
Dr Matiang’i is expected on Wednesday morning to meet the management of Kisii University and later in the afternoon to meet with Laikipia University management.
The meeting to be also attended by Commission for University Education (CUE) which regulates university education is also expected to address the deteriorating quality of education in universities due to unplanned expansion.
The institutions’ councils will also be required to explain why they are setting up campuses all over without due diligence.
ON THE SPOT
Kisii University is also on the spot for starting doctorate of philosophy programmes less than 5years since getting a charter and allowing students to graduate without completing required class hour.
CUE has ordered the closure of 10 Kisii University campuses while its other three campuses are under review.
The 10 Kisii University campuses are located in Eldoret, Eldama Ravine, Nyamira, Kabarnet, Migori, Ogembo, Keroka, Kehancha, Kapenguria and Isebania while it’s Kisumu, Kericho and Kitale campuses are under review.
90 DAYS
Also facing closure is Laikipia University campus in Nyahururu.
The campuses have 90 days to wind up and move the students to accredited ones.
CUE has shut the campuses because they are located in areas that are a distraction to learning; close to bars, casinos, brothels, bus parks, markets and airports.
The campuses have no proper lecture rooms, libraries, seminar rooms, administrative areas and residential or recreational facilities and others are situated near areas that are harmful to students’ health such as quarries and dump sites.
According to regulations, a campus should be the lowest unit of any local university and should have localised administrative structures clearly linked with the main institution.
The rules also require the universities to identify the location of the campuses.
CUE has also revoked five doctorate of philosophy degrees and two masters degrees awarded to students by Kisii University in December 2014.
CUE said it does not recognise the master’s degrees as the students were irregularly admitted into programmes at the university from other local universities.
