A report by the Commission on University Education (CUE) has revealed a critical shortage of professors and doctoral-qualified staff across Kenya's 83 universities, exacerbating challenges in postgraduate supervision and academic integrity. The findings, based on 2025 data, highlight a strain on postgraduate programs due to 631 professors serving across the institutions, while also noting a worsening student-to-academic staff ratio in public universities. The report underscores an imbalance in the distribution of PhD holders, with fewer in science and technical fields compared to business and arts disciplines, raising concerns about specialized academic support for students.
The CUE report also documents a rise in academic misconduct, including examination cheating that has resulted in suspensions and expulsions. These issues coincide with broader systemic challenges, including insufficient faculty capacity to meet the demands of higher education. The regulator emphasized that the shortage of qualified staff directly impacts the quality of postgraduate supervision, which is vital for research and academic development. The report calls for urgent interventions to address staffing gaps and improve oversight mechanisms to safeguard academic standards.
The University of Nairobi (UoN) has recently disputed a claim by a Mombasa resident who alleged he earned a PhD from the institution. Chancellor Prof Patrick Verkooijen confirmed that the university has no record of the individual's graduation, stating that the claim lacks verification. This incident highlights the growing scrutiny around academic credentials and the need for transparency in higher education institutions. UoN reiterated its commitment to upholding rigorous academic standards and ensuring the authenticity of its degrees.
The findings underscore broader public-interest implications, including the potential erosion of academic quality and the integrity of higher education in Kenya. The CUE report urges policymakers to prioritize faculty recruitment and training, particularly in STEM fields, to align with national development goals. Meanwhile, universities are under pressure to strengthen internal audits and combat academic fraud. The report serves as a call to action for stakeholders to address systemic challenges that threaten the credibility of Kenya's higher education sector.