The government has challenged university chancellors, vice-chancellors and principals to devise ways that can make the institutions sustainable.
Speaking during a stakeholder’s workshop on 28th November 2019 at the Kenya Institute of Curriculum and Development (KICD) to review and validate Universities Regulations 2014 (revised 2019), Education Cabinet Secretary Prof. George Magoha told the vice-chancellors to face issues soberly by looking at sustainability of universities and programmes, and purposes to which they were established.
Education Cabinet Secretary Prof. George Magoha addresses universities’ chancellors, vice-chancellors, principals and other stakeholders during the validation workshop on Amendments to Universities Regulations 2014(Revised 2019) at KICD. Looking on is the Commission Secretary and CEO Prof. Mwenda Ntarangwi (second right).
“Each and every university present here today should think of establishing the quality of degree programmes they offer rather than the number of degrees they have. It is also not about the number of graduates you are producing but the quality,” Prof. Magoha told over 70 universities’ representatives and other stakeholders gathering at KICD on 28th November 2019.
The CS also told the Commission for University Education (CUE) to exercise its authority without fear by setting standards and monitoring compliance not only for sustainable quality university education but for global competitiveness.
“As CUE, you have powers and I have also empowered you to do what appertains to your mandate. I expect all to cooperate,” Prof. Magoha said.
The new University Regulations Amendments 2019 being revised with stakeholders to streamline and eliminate the gaps and ambiguities in the Universities Act 2012.
While making her remarks, the Chief Administrative Secretary and Principal SecretaryState Department for University Education and Research, Prof. Collete Suda also underscored the significance of the validation workshop.
Prof. Suda said the Universities Act, 2012 had undergone several revisions and the workshop would serve to align the Regulations, 2014 to the Act 2012(2019) and other policy documents.
The CAS/PS also called upon universities to cease teaching certificate and diploma courses and concentrate on their core business of teaching degree courses.
“Much as I understand why you are doing this, it really creates articifical competition with tertiary colleges and this does not profit the country in any way,” Prof. Suda said amidst laughter from the stakeholders.
The Commission for University Education Chairman Prof. Chacha Nyaigotti- Chacha emphasized that the regulations were created within the law and consequently provides a roadmap to operationalize the Universities Act.
The Chairman further noted that the amendments had gone through an inclusive process where CUE interacted with stakehodlers who consume the products of university education.
Upon validation, the regulations would be gazetted by the Education Cabinet Secretary after which, Universities Standards and Guidelines, 2014 would be revised and aligned to the Universities Regulations. Both instruments will be used to maintain quality in Universities.
The Commission Secretary and CEO Prof. Mwenda Ntarangwi gave highlights on Amendments made to the University Regulations 2014(Revised 2019 noting that the new regulations seek to address the gaps after the amendments to the Universities Act, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2018. Once finalised, the policy document will be recommended to the Education CS for gazettement.
The Summary of the Revised Universities Regulations, 2014 are as follows:
12A: Governance and Management of a University
13A: Winding up of a University
14A: Mergers and Acquisitions
15A: Withdrawal of a Sponsor
17: Institutionalization of Quality Assurance
18A: Promotion of quality teaching research, innovation and community outreach
51: Accreditation/Approval of Certificate and Diploma Programmes
60: Approval of Collaboration
82A: University Information System
During the discussions on the amendments to the Universities Regulations (2019), stakeholders freely deliberated on the amendments seeking clarification of the impact towards academic freedom of universities. Among the thorny issues that delayed the finalisation of the document were:
1. Restructuring of universities
While challenging the newly established universities, specifically those with satellite campuses all over the country to justify their existence, Prof. Magoha maintained that each university must demonstrate that it is sustainable as part of safeguarding the quality of learning as well as impacting on the economic development of the country which is in line with the Big Four initiative.
“If your institution must exist, then justify the unique academic programmes you are offering and provide evidence of current staffing levels to support the same,” Prof. Magoha advised university vice-chancellors and principals.
Stakeholders during the validation workshop on Amendments to Universities regulations, 2014(Revised 2019) at KICD on 28th November 2019.
2. Fees
Universities were also urged to work with professional bodies and look into ways in which tuition fees charged can be increased to cater for the current economic times and inflation rates..
3. Niche
The Education CS also advised universities to build niches and strive towards becoming a centres of excellence in specific areas and start implementating the same in their respective institutions.
He added that the academic programmes should be geared towards promoting the Big Four Agenda.
The meeting was closed by Chief Administrative Secretary and Principal Secretary State Department for University Education and Research Prof. Prof. Collette A. Suda.
From left, Commission chairman Prof. Chacha Nyaigotti Chacha, Education CS Prof. George Magoha and Education CAS/PS Prof. Collete Suda listen to proceedings during the stakeholders’ validation workshop on amendments to Universities Regulations 2014(Revised 2019).
The Commission will meet the stakeholders in January 2020 to finalize the policy document before recommending it to the Education Cabinet Secretary for Gazettement.
PICTORIALS
Prof. Collete Suda, CAS/PS University Education and Research responds to stakeholders questions during the validation workshop on University Regulations (2019) at KICD, Nairobi.
A team from the Engineering Board of Kenya (EBK) led by its Chairman Eng. Mwongera and CEO Eng. Musuni, paid a courtesy call to the Commission for University Education on Wednesday January 22, 2020. Termed as “historic” by some of the members present, the meeting allowed for both regulators to share their plans for working together in order to provide Kenyan students and their institutions the best regulation for quality learning and training. In his remarks to welcome the team from EBK Commission Secretary and CEO, Prof. Mwenda Ntarangwi underscored the need for regulators “to not only work together but also focus on students’ experience in the education system.” “It is not enough to have the best facilities and curriculum. Students interactions with their teachers, opportunities for experiential learning related to their fields of training as well and interactions with their peers, among other factors, are critical for students to be successful after they graduate, he added. Eng. Mwongera echoed Prof. Ntarangwi’s sentiments, adding that EBK was ready to work closely with the Commission to realize their shared goal of producing quality graduates who can effectively serve in their fields of training anywhere in the world. Eng. Mwongera also noted that EBK fully recognizes the mandate of CUE and considers itself a major enabler of the work carried out by CUE in providing quality university education in the country. He added that, “We are here to see how EBK can support CUE to fulfill its role.”
The meeting was by other members of EBK council including Prof. Eng. Silvester Abuodho, Eng. J.M. Matu, Charles Obiero and Eng. Jane Simiyu. They were accompanied by members of staff including Eng. Nicholas Musuni (CEO/Regstrar), Eng. Grace Onyango, Catherine Mungania, and Duncan Mbiu. The meeting was also attended by CUE’s Prof. Jackson Too, the Head of Research Department, Dr. Dorcas Omukhulu, Assistant Commission Secretary, Programme Accreditation, Leah Kaburu, Assistant Commission Secretary, Programme Accreditation, Reynold Njue, planning officer and Evelyn Okewo, Corporate Affairs Officer.
Speaking about the meeting Eng. Musuni noted that it was not the first meeting between CUE and EBK but that this was a high level meeting with important policy consequences. On relating to CUE Eng. Musuni said, “EBK has convergence rather than conflict of interest in serving student needs,” adding that “If EBK is going to examine graduates later for membership into the profession it is important that EBK participates in the preparation of those graduates.” Eng. Musuni raised concerns over what he termed as “reputation risk” whereby most Kenyan professional engineers are not recognised in different parts of the world due to negative perceptions linked to accreditation of the programmes. He noted that was a big challenge the board is trying to address and EBK is working towards ensuring Kenyan engineers do benchmark with best global practices.
The Commission Secretary/CEO (6th left) with Engineering Board of Kenya officials and CUE team after a meeting held in the Commission boardroom on Wednesday 22nd January 2020.
Currently, there are 22 professional bodies collaborating with CUE to approve academic programmes before they are taught by universities. The Universities Act has given the Commission and professional bodies’ mandate to accredit academic programmes.
Prof. Ntarangwi said even as the two entities work together, there is need to infuse the Competence Based Curriculum (CBC) in engineering programmes.
Agreeing with Prof. Ntarangwi’s observations on CBC Eng. Mwongera decried inadequate funding that has hampered teaching of some engineering programmes in universities. “As you are all aware, engineering programmes require lot of capital investment. Consequently, we need proper funding for the programmes and it is time for us to come together as CUE and EBK to lobby for more money to facilitate the training,” Eng. Mwongera said. That way the government can effectively prepare institutions for CBC in engineering prgrammes.
Commission Secretary/CEO Prof. Mwenda Ntarangwi shares his views with the EBK officials during a meeting held in the Commission boardroom on Wednesday 22nd January 2020.
The two bodies agreed that it was important that they work closely in dispensing their respective mandates. This meant that CUE would continue to strictly require that engineering programmes submitted for accreditation were first reviewed and supported by the EBK. “Let me assure you, we will not touch any academic programmes that have not been reviewed by respective professional bodies,” Prof. Ntarangwi told the EBK team. This renewed partnership will streamline the dual accreditation system that in the past resulted in conflict between the two legal entities. The worst hit were engineering programmes offered in various universities which were suspended because they did not meet EBK standards.
From far Left: Prof. Jackson Too, Head of Research, CUE, Dr. Dorcas Omukhulu, Assistant Commission Secretary, Programme Accreditation and Leah Kaburu, Assistant Commission Secretary, Programme Accreditation listen to proceedings during a meeting held in the Commission boardroom between CUE AND EBK.
During the discussions at the meeting Prof. Too said the ongoing revision of university regulations recommends aligning of adequate resources to STEM based courses. He also raised concerns regarding the disconnect that attends between what happens in the classroom and the attachments and internships programmes undertaken by engineering students. Prof. Too said it is up to the universities to track the skills gained at industrial attachments and internships and see whether they match the skills learnt in class.
EBK and CUE team during a meeting between the two entities. The meeting was chaired by Commission Secretary/CEO Prof. Mwenda Ntarangwi.
Many universities are finding it harder torecruit and retain staff with doctoratequalification.In view of that, Universities are have been challenged to embrace the use of technology to deliver academic programmes. This would ensure that universities utilize the scarce academic resources that include staff, andensure that access to university education is guaranteed. It is in this context that the British Government the through DFID initiated the Strategic Partnerships for Higher Education Innovation and Reform (SPHEIR) to address some of these challenges in Higher Education (HE) sector.
Consequently,theCommission for University Education (CUE), whose mandate includes expanding access and equity in university education, has continually forged strategic public-private partnerships to create sustainable academic learning atmosphere.
The Commission has been working with global partners, taking into cognizance the importance of linkages and collaborations in the achievement of the set strategic objectives.
In a meeting held on 28thNovember between CUE and British Council team at the commission’s main offices, the Councilgave updates on the projects currently being implemented in the higher education sector with support from United Kingdom’s Department for International Development (DFID).
The Commission and British Council teams when the Council paid a courtesy call to the Commission offices on 28th November 2019.
DFID is a United Kingdom government department responsible for administering overseas aid.The goal of the department is to promote sustainable development and eliminate world poverty.
CUE being a key partner in one of its projects called Partnership for Enhanced and Blended Learning (PEBL), the British Council team was interested in hearing about the progress and whether there were any systemic challenges in its implementation.
PEBL is helping universities across East Africa share valuable teaching resources through the development of quality assured, credit-bearing courses delivered through blended learning.
The team, which comprised Susanna Carmordy, Senior Programme Manager, Strategic Partnerships for Higher Education Innovation and Reform (SPHEIR) and Pauline Gangla, Partnership manager SPHEIR were also keen to get feedback from some of the partners who interact with the Commission from time to time on the said project.
Susanna Carmordy (Left), Senior Programme Manager, Spheir and Pauline Gangla (Spheir Programme Manager) when they paid a courtesy call to the Commission on 28th November 2019.
According to Prof. Jackson Too, the Head of Research Department, CUE, PEBL project continues to play crucial role in enhancing teaching quality and student outcomes, and helps to address the growing shortage of academic staff faced by universities.
Prof. Too spoke on behalf of Commission Secretary/CEO Prof. Mwenda Ntarangwi.
In attendance were also Mr Joseph Musyoki, Senior Assistant Commission Secretary/Head of Institutional Accreditation Department and Reynold Njue, planning officer.
Mr. Musyoki underscored the importance of reviewing the delivery mode of teaching in online and distance learning.
“Even as CUE is going on with revision and validation of the Universities and Standards Regulations (2019), it is also important to look at these areas of e-learning. Students, parents and sponsors should get value for their money,” Mr. Musyoki said.
Universities will soon be required to submit their academic journals to the Commission for University Education(CUE) before they are published in the respective journal sites.CUE said it is currently working on a standardised policy on journal accreditation, which all universities will use for their publications.Speaking during a CUE staff sensitisation workshop on scholarly publishing and dissemination of scientific information, Prof. Jackson Too, the Head of Research Department at CUE,said the commission has already met representatives from 42 universities to discuss how to standardise the policy on journal accreditation.Prof. Too addedthat the Commission has developed criteriathat will be used to evaluate journals received from universities to ensurethattheyare credible.
“Majority of the academic journals published in Kenya are not subjected to rigor that a refereed journal should go through. Journals must have arobustpeer review process that guarantees quality.Wewant to do this with a lot of caution. Our work as the regulator is to ensure that universities have adhered to laid down procedures, without interfering with their independence,” Prof Too said.
He added that CUE has benchmarked with South Africa and is ready for the task.
Prof. Grace Njoroge, Deputy Commission Secretary (Accreditation)addresses CUE staff during the sensitisation workshop. The training was organised by CUE’s Head of Library and Information Sciences, DrBeatrice Odera-Kwach and facilitated by Dr. Paul Gichohi from Kenya Methodist University
In her opening remarks, theDeputy Commission Secretary (Accreditation),Prof. Grace Njoroge,saidCUE has reviewed standards in research for universities asstipulated in the Universities Act to guide in the use of copyright laws and plagiarism.“We as CUE should set standards for research. Research is not complete until you tell the world what you have found out”, said Prof. Njoroge who spoke on behalf of the Commission Secretary/ CEO Prof. Mwenda Ntarangwi.
Prof. Jackson Tooaddresses staff during a CUE sensitisationworkshop on scholarly publishing and dissemination of Scientificinformation held at the Commission offices inGigiri from 4th to 5th November 2019.
Prof. Njoroge also asked the staff to adhere to ethical rules when it comes to publishing, which includeobserving copyright laws and how to utilise e-contents without infringing on the authors/publishers’rights.
The two-daysensitisation trainingfor CUE staffwas organised by CUE’s Head of Library and Information Services,Dr. Beatrice Odera-Kwach.
With regardto accrediting universityjournals, Dr. Odera-Kwach saidthat the Commission will determine, in consultation with the universities, which lists of accredited journals and indices are approved in terms of the policy being developed by CUE.
The training was facilitated by Dr. Paul Gichohi, a University Librarian at Kenya Methodist University. He presented the following areasto the staff:Integrityissues in scholarly publishing; Riseof predatory publishing and its implications,Characteristics of predatory publishers; Criteria for determining predatory publishers; Overcoming predatory publishers; Overcoming predatory publishers; Principles of transparency and best practices in scholarly publishing;Code of conduct for journal publishers;Poor journal standards and practices;Plagiarism and plagiarism software;Upholding ethics and honesty in research and publishing;Intellectual property rights;Access, selection, retrieval, use and dissemination of Information; andWriting for publication including publication structure and process.
He noted with concernthe rise inacademic dishonesty in higherlearning institutions.For instance, some academics falsify research data in their publications to get promotionsor in the research findings to receive funding. The trend, he said,was worrying at the Masters and doctorallevels.
Dr. Gichohi called on CUE and other related agenciesto be at the forefront in stoppingpredatory journals whose main purpose is financial gain rather than the quality of research
“We need to have a structured guide on scientific publishing practices. We also need to establish our own local journals that are governed by an accrediting body. This could be CUE,” he said.
All Public Entities arenowrequired to publish their tenderawardson the onlineGovernment portal at the end ofevery Quarter foreasy access bythe public.
Mr Thomas Otieno, the managerofCapacity Buildingat the PublicProcurement RegulatoryAuthority (PPRA), said this is a directivethat government agenciesshould followto enable eligible biddersto prepare accordingly.
“We urge you to make it routine to publishall planned tenders on yourdigital platforms,including websites.This will cushionyou from legal battles and prevent any eligiblebidder from being locked out of the tendering process because they have failed to submit a singledocument,”said Mr Otieno, who was speaking during a recent procurement sensitization workshop for the Commission’s top management at Lake Naivasha-Panorama ParkinNakuru County.
He added that there isalso need for government entities to embrace green procurement practicesas enshrined in new procurement law.
This refers to the purchase of products andservices that have no negative effect on the environment.With climate change and global warming taking a toll on the environment, there is need for public organizationsto adopt green procurement practices to help conserve the environment, he said.
"You mustalsodemonstrate as Commission for University Education that you are promoting local contentby purchasing locally manufactured goods and services.This meansthat 40per cent of your tenders must be awarded to local manufacturers,”added Mr Otieno
Commission Secretary/CEO Prof. Mwenda Ntarangwi (second left) and members of CUE Top Management, Heads of departmentsduring a training held at the Lake Naivasha Panorama Park from22ndOctober 2019 to23rdOctober 2019.
The training focusedon the following areas:
1.The role of procurement in prudent management of public resources;
2.The public procurement legal provisions with an emphasis on the PPADA, 2015;
3.The Supply Chain Management Process and the role of each player (accounting officer, user department, procurement function, evaluation committees, inspection and acceptance committees, contract implementation committees anddisposal committees among others);
4.The integration of procurement planning in the budgeting process;and
5.Work plansand the link with procurement planning.
The training was also facilitated by Mr Joseph Malonza fromthe National Treasury. Mr Malonza exposed the CUE managementon the planning cycle in public institutions, implementation strategies, performance managementandthe
organizational budgeting process.
He urged the Commission to sensitize its bidderson the procurement processand make the whole process transparent and satisfactory.
He also highlighted the overview of Kenya’s Vision 2030 and CUE’s rolein achievement of these planned national objectives. TheCommission Secretary/CEO ProfMwenda Ntarangwi, who officially opened the event,thanked the two facilitators for thezeal and passion demonstrated in the training.
“We are looking forward to come out as better informed people. Wewill not hesitate to askfor your expertise in training our other colleagues,”ProfNtarangwi said.
The two-day training organized by theHead of Supply Chain Management Phyllis Karimi was held from 22ndand 23rdOctober 2019.