Step up quality, Raila Odinga tells varsities

Universities should stop converting property in unsecured neighbourhoods into teaching centres, Cord leader Raila Odinga said on Saturday.

He was speaking at the United States International University where he was the chief guest during its 37th graduation ceremony. Mr Odinga said the practice threatens the quality of learning and undermines the reputation of universities.

“As universities expand, they must ensure that the number and calibre of faculty and staff meet global standards. The lives and dignity of students matter. Students should learn in an environment that reflects the dignity of a university,” he noted.

On the thorny issue of student loans, he said there was a need to allocate adequate funds to cater for learners’ changing and growing needs, as well as to rethink repayment options for students.

“Let’s ease the burden on those who take up lower-paying public service jobs. And we must ask ourselves; what do we do with those who took loans but didn’t complete university?” he said.

The opposition leader asked the government to address tribalism in public universities, terming it a big problem. Last week, Education Cabinet Secretary Jacob Kaimenyi admitted that tribalism was rife in universities established after 2013.

Prof Kaimenyi was present at the graduation ceremony but did not address the gathering.

STELLAR REPUTATION

Mr Odinga said university education was turning millions of parents into paupers and killing the dreams of many children.

“We need you to see counties as the new engines of development and growth in Kenya. To the young graduates, I welcome you to the world of politics. In nearly all political parties, we are embracing young people and new ideals,” he said.

Vice-Chancellor Freida Brown said the graduation was her last at the helm, having headed the institution for the past 21 years. “We have transitioned from a small institution into one that is noted for its quality and stellar reputation,” said Prof Brown.

Mr Odinga said there were credible concerns over what appears to be a misinterpretation of the University Act, with the government micromanaging the design and delivery of courses. He said: “The government is even attempting to supervise and evaluate lecturers. This would undermine the autonomy and universality of universities”.

Eight university campuses in Nairobi that were facing closure for not adhering to regulations have been given 12 months to meet the requirement or face closure.

Mr Odinga also asked the government to address the admission crisis at the Kenya Medical Training College that has seen two parallel lists of student intakes.

He said accessing university education was still a challenge to a majority of families. “About 15 of our 47 counties record primary enrolment rates of below 80 per cent. These are mostly in arid and semi-arid lands.”