This archive report was first published on 12 October 2019.
Kenya's public universities are facing a credibility crisis, with concerns over the quality of their graduates. The recent closure of two institutions, Kenyatta and Moi universities, due to student riots is a stark reminder of the challenges plaguing the sector.
According to reports, students were sent home after a series of protests over fees and well-being on campus. The closure of universities is disastrous, as it disrupts learning and leads to a backlog of academic programmes, putting pressure on academic staff.
Public universities have been facing a funding crisis since the government cut funding more than two decades ago and introduced cost-sharing. Loans and bursaries offered to students through the Higher Education Loans Board are often inadequate and delayed. Housing and accommodation on campus are also subpar.
Universities had previously thrived by raising cash from fee-paying students under parallel degree programmes. However, the taps have since dried up after cheating was eliminated at Form Four, reducing the number of university qualifiers.
It is imperative that the government and universities find long-lasting solutions to the crises facing the institutions. Practical models that make universities sustainable must be established, and managers must learn to engage and dialogue with students.
