University funding to be based on innovation, DP Ruto says
Deputy President William Ruto (centre) with Embu Governor Martin Wambora (left) and Professor Paul Musili of University of Embu when he visited the institution during the launch of university`s endowment fund on October 25, 2018. PHOTO | DPPS
Deputy President William Ruto Thursday announced that universities will receive funding based on their innovation, research and the quality of their graduates in a bid to encourage them to offer relevant courses.
He said reduced government funding means it is now allocating money based on student numbers, but will limit it further by scrutinising their courses.
Speaking at the launch of the University of Embu's endowment fund, the DP said the government is counting on universities to strengthen research and innovation to produce creative workers and entrepreneurs.
He advised universities to introduce unique programmes to excel in specific fields. “Universities must up their game. It is not enough for them to produce graduates, but whether what they teach them can be employed in the market. If universities churn out graduates who end up roasting maize, then they don’t deserve funding," he said.
On examinations, Mr Ruto reiterated the need to use competence to gauge a person's success.
“We must not apply undue pressure on children merely to pass exams. We must encourage them to acquire competence in their areas. Our exam-based system has condemned a lot of people to failure," he said.
