Kenya

31 August 2024

Kenya and Saudi Arabia Strengthen Academic and Cultural Ties

Kenya and Saudi Arabia have deepened collaboration in higher education and research, focusing on scholarships, Islamic education, combating extremism, and utilizing modern technology to promote moderation and preserve Islamic identity. Read more

President Ruto’s Directive Leads to Issuance of 100,080 New University Admission Letters

Following President Ruto’s directive, 100,080 new admission letters have been sent to students from 36 universities, reflecting updated fees based on increased government funding for higher education. Read more

Kenya’s New Funding Model Faces Backlash as Thousands Appeal

Thousands of Kenyan students have appealed against the new university funding model, claiming unfair categorization. The government is reviewing the appeals and has released funding to students. The new model replaces the previous DUC model and aims to provide equitable financial support. Read more

Chief Justice Urges Free Tertiary Education to Address Funding Inequalities

Chief Justice Martha Koome advocates for free higher education in Kenya to address funding disparities and inconsistencies in the new university funding model. She proposes consolidating all bursary funds and scholarships at the national and sub-national levels to ensure equitable access to tertiary education for all students. Read more

State urged to award scholarships to students in private universities

Kenya’s government is urged to extend scholarships to students studying Medicine at private universities due to limited public options. The proposal aims to ease financial burdens and improve access to education, amid criticisms of the current funding model. Read more

MPs urge universities to admit all students regardless of household contribution capabilities

Kenyan MPs are urging universities to admit students regardless of household financial contributions, criticizing the current funding model for inaccuracies. They demand a review of the means-testing tool and better management of bursaries to ensure fair access to education. Read more

Universities caught up in accreditation battles over degrees

Kenya’s Council of Legal Education has approved only four universities for Master of Laws (LLM) programs, excluding notable institutions like the University of Nairobi. This decision underscores a broader conflict over accreditation authority between universities, regulatory bodies, and professional organizations. Read more

Anxiety grips parents as government revokes universities’ fee structure

Parents and guardians are facing uncertainty after the government nullified the fee structure for first-year university students. A new fee structure will be released on August 5. This decision has caught parents off guard and sparked concerns. Read more

TVET sector turns 100: Great shifts have taken place

In 2024, Kenya’s TVET sector celebrates its 100th anniversary, marked by a notable shift as more students, particularly women, now choose TVET programs over university degrees. This change reflects reduced fees, improved funding access, and evolving job market demands. Read more

How two universities are helping to digitalise land governance

Two Kenyan universities, the University of Nairobi and the Technical University of Kenya, are collaborating with national institutions to digitalize land governance. Their efforts aim to improve land record security, accessibility, and management, addressing long-standing land issues and supporting Kenya’s development goals. Read more

Cuts to HE loans mean students’ futures are ‘under attack’

Over 150,000 Kenyan students risk losing access to higher education loans due to a 10% government budget cut to the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB), sparking concerns about increased inequality and the impact on students’ futures. Read more

 

31 July 2024

Research funding drops from Sh2bn to Sh500m

Government research funding in Kenya slashed by 75%, forcing universities to seek external grants. Despite promises, actual allocation lags behind commitments. Stakeholders call for increased investment, collaboration, and commercialization of research findings. Read more

Budget shocker for varsity students as state reduces funding

A funding crisis looms as the government cuts the Higher Education budget, jeopardizing loans and scholarships for 153,292 new university students. The Higher Education PS revealed a Sh22.9 billion shortfall, risking students’ academic pursuits due to reduced funding. Read more

Ruto to Form Committee to Address Discontent Over University Funding Model

President Ruto will form a committee to address concerns over the new university funding model, including scholarship distribution, HELB interest rates, and loan repayment periods. The committee, involving students and stakeholders, aims to find lasting solutions. Read more

Online University Awarded Charter By Ruto Says It Has Admitted 3,300 Students

The Open University, awarded a charter by President Ruto in 2023, has admitted 3,300 students from 10,000 sign-ups. With 1,400 actively enrolled, the university offers affordable education, charging one-third of traditional fees, promoting inclusivity and flexibility. Read more

HELB Announces Education Loan of Up To Ksh600,000 for All Government Employees

HELB offers up to Ksh600,000 in education loans to all Kenyan government employees, including those in the disciplined forces, public commissions, and parastatals. Read more

University Students Above 18 Years to Miss Scholarship Over ID Processing Delay

University students without a National ID risk losing government scholarships due to processing delays. The University Fund allows those under 18 to apply using their KCSE Index number, but students over 18 must wait for their IDs. Read more

Fees structures for new university students recalled

University fees for new students in Kenya have been scrapped. The Ministry of Education has revoked previously announced fees and will introduce new, household-based charges to be determined by individual universities. Students’ placements remain unchanged. Read more

State keen to support maritime education, training

The Kenyan government is enhancing maritime education by constructing a Maritime Survival Training Centre at Bandari Maritime Academy. The initiative, part of a strategic plan, includes substantial funding, hands-on training, and aims to boost the Blue Economy workforce. Read more

Government causes uncertainty over university fee structure

Parents are anxious after the government nullified the fee structure for first-year university students, with a new structure to be released on August 5. This decision affects preparations and financial plans, prompting concerns from parents and lawmakers. Read more

Parliament Raises Concern on University Admissions for Students Without IDs

Parliament expressed concerns about university admissions for students without IDs, potentially hindering funding applications. Key officials were summoned to address the issue, alongside discussions on barring public funding and placements for private universities. Read more

New National Research Fund plan injects funds into science

Kenya launches a new strategic plan for its National Research Fund, aiming to boost funding and infrastructure for research. The plan aligns with the country’s Vision 2030 and seeks to address challenges faced by researchers, such as limited funding and infrastructure. The NRF pledges increased funding, improved infrastructure, and support for research commercialization. Read more

Gen Z protesters are sending clear signals to those in power

In Kenya, Gen Z-led protests against tax hikes have resulted in 41 deaths, 361 injuries, and 630 arrests. President Ruto initially condemned the protesters but later withdrew the Finance Bill 2024 and initiated budget cuts. The protests have highlighted youth dissatisfaction with economic policies and demand for political reform. Read more

 

30 June 2024

Exercise your powers and establish vote transfer centers on university campuses – NUGS tells EC

The National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) urges the Electoral Commission (EC) to establish voter registration centers in universities to facilitate vote transfers for students. This initiative aims to ensure students can exercise their voting rights without logistical challenges, promoting inclusivity and fairness in Ghana’s democratic process. Read more

GAUA, TUSAAG threaten to strike over fuel rates  discrimination

Ghana’s university administrator unions GAUA and TUSAAG threatened a strike by June end over unequal fuel rate allowances for university staff, urging the government to implement a previously agreed upon January 2024 start date. Read more

Academic City, United Way Ghana partner to advance renewable energy education

Academic City University College and United Way Ghana launched the “Green4Clean” project to advance renewable energy education. The initiative aims to raise awareness, develop practical skills, and foster sustainability among students, aligning with multiple Sustainable Development Goals from June 2024 to December 2025. Read more

HISTORIC FELLOWSHIP ELEVATES COLORECTAL SURGERY IN GHANA

A landmark collaboration has established Ghana’s first colorectal surgery fellowship, aiming to elevate specialty care and public health. Dr. Kwabena Agbedinu will be the first certified colorectal surgeon, with plans to expand training and awareness across Ghana and West Africa. Read more

Imperial and University of Ghana sign major research and education partnership

Imperial College London and the University of Ghana have signed a new five-year partnership to collaborate in research and education. The partnership focuses on areas like public health, entrepreneurship, and sustainability. This builds on their existing successful collaborations, with over 120 joint research papers published in the past five years. The agreement will increase student and researcher mobility between the two institutions. Read more

 

31 May 2024

New university funding model is working, says Ruto after meeting vice-chancellors

President Ruto declared success for the new university funding model after meeting with Vice Chancellors, who affirmed its effectiveness. He pledged increased budgetary support to resolve financial challenges faced by public universities within three years, emphasizing benefits for students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Read more

Kenyan Chartered Universities Clock 64

President Ruto granted charters to Tangaza University and the Management University of Africa, bringing Kenya’s total accredited universities to 64. Education CS Machogu praised the move and highlighted the President’s commitment to higher education and new funding models. Read more

University and national agency partner to protect wetlands

Egerton University partners with Kenya’s NEMA to combat wetland degradation in Nakuru County. The initiative targets restoration and aims to address threats like encroachment and pollution. Read more

Universities boost safe food security research in East Africa

East African universities are working together to improve food security in the region through climate-smart agriculture research. The project focuses on developing sustainable practices for rice production, such as using high-yielding varieties and integrating legumes. This research is expected to increase food production and improve livelihoods for farmers. Read more

Geosciences’ wide scope offers hope amid the climate crisis

In response to climate change, universities in Kenya are establishing geoscience programs. This field studies Earth’s interactions and offers insights for sustainable development and managing resources. The growth of geosciences is seen as a hopeful sign in addressing environmental challenges. Read more

Research nexus to promote green energy research and training

A new Kenya-Australia hub at Strathmore University will focus on green hydrogen research and training. The hub aims to be a center for green hydrogen development in Africa, working on joint research, education, and industry collaboration. It will involve universities, governments, and industry partners from both countries. Read more

Students create the ‘Kijani Bin’ from plastic waste

Kenyan university students create “Kijani Bin” made from recycled plastic bottles to address plastic waste and promote a greener environment. The project aims to be student-led and expand to other universities, creating job opportunities and inspiring climate action. Read more

Financing model overhaul fails to address funding challenge

Kenya revamped its public university funding model in response to financial crises. The government hopes students will shoulder more costs through a mix of scholarships and loans. However, critics say the reforms don’t address the root cause: declining state funding. They also point to potential issues in student categorization and funding allocation based on programs. Read more

 

30 April 2024

A lot more research funding needed to get products to market

Kenya’s research sector is set for a major boost! The government is proposing to significantly increase research funding to 2% of the country’s GDP. This ambitious plan aims to bridge the gap with developed nations and propel Kenya’s science and technology to new heights. Currently, scarce funding stifles research potential. More

Online gender-based violence widespread in HE, survey finds

Online abuse plagues Kenyan universities. A shocking new survey reveals technology-facilitated gender-based violence (GBV) is disturbingly common within higher education.  Online defamation, cyberbullying, and the misuse of personal information are rampant, with young women disproportionately targeted. But the perpetrators often go unpunished. More

Universities urged to communicate early over funding model

Universities face pressure to disclose details of the new funding model as soon as possible. The Parliamentary Committee on Education emphasizes the need for clear communication, allowing students and parents ample time to prepare financially. Committee chairman Julius Kibiwot Melly stresses a collaborative approach to resolving challenges within the funding system. More

Kenyan universities are very short of professors: why it matters and what to do about it

Kenya’s universities are facing a critical shortage of professors, threatening the quality of education and global reputation of its institutions. With fewer than 1,000 professors for over 500,000 students, the problem stems from factors like limited PhD production and a culture that doesn’t prioritize research. To address the issue, Kenya must fast-track PhDs, reduce reliance on part-time faculty, and develop a research-focused environment. More

Kenya to develop climate change curriculum for journalists

A new partnership between the Kenyan government, media organizations, and a German development agency will create a climate change curriculum for journalists. The curriculum will equip journalists with the skills to communicate complex climate change issues in a clear, accurate, and compelling manner. This is an important step in raising awareness about climate change and promoting action to address it. More

 

31 March 2024

Universities to be categorized, review courses every 6 years in new draft bill

Kenyan universities face a major shakeup. The government proposes to categorize universities and require them to review their programs every six years. This aims to improve quality control and eliminate unlicensed universities. More

African Universities Urged to Embrace Flexible Education Systems as MMUST Becomes the First University in Kenya to Host ACDE Conference

African universities at the ACDE conference in Kenya discussed using online learning to improve access to education; with the goal to build a more resilient system that meets education goals set by Agenda 2063. Experts shared ideas for a more inclusive African education system. More

 

31 January 2024

70-Year-Old Mawego TTI Made National Polytechnic

From January 1, 2024, Mawego Technical Training Institute (TTI) becomes Mawego National Polytechnic. The institution was elevated by the Ministry of Education through the Directorate of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) early last year. Read more

201,133 Candidates Qualify for Direct Entry to University

A total of 201,133 candidates who sat the 2023 KCSE exams scored a mean grade of C plus and above, earning themselves places in universities. A total of 903,260 candidates sat the 2023 KCSE examinations which were administered from October 10 to November 24, 2023. Read more

Council of Legal Education Lists Universities Approved to Offer Law Courses 

The Council of Legal Education has published a list of all universities approved to offer law courses in Kenya, including those whose approvals were still pending. Read more

Dream of Smart Sustainability Hangs on STEM Education

Kenya’s race for smart sustainable development is being impeded by low investment in research and innovation as well as a huge shortfall of expertise in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields, according to a UNESCO report. Read more 

Education CS Machogu Orders KUCCPS To Review University Cut-off Points

On Monday, Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu issued an instruction to the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) and various universities to reevaluate their admission thresholds. Read more

HELB Responds to Hacking Reports 3 Days After Receiving Ksh10 Billion

The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) was on Monday, January 22, forced to respond after claims that hackers had accessed funds meant for students surfaced online. Read more 

HELB Unveils Ksh500,000 Loan for Select Students

The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) has launched a new credit facility targeting students with a range of up to Ksh500,000. In a notice dated Wednesday, January 3, HELB announced that the new loan facility will majorly target students in the nursing profession. Read more

HE Systems Are Out of Sync with Africa’s Human Capital Needs

The gap between Africa and the rest of the world in the development of job skills is widening and the challenge is that universities and other tertiary education institutions on the continent are not producing enough graduates with the knowledge and skills required by their regional economies, according to the Addis Ababa-based United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA). Read more

KCSE Candidates Urged to Take Up TVET Courses

Candidates who sat the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams in 2023 have been urged to consider enrolling in Technical Vocation Education Training (TVET) institutions. Read more

KEMU Ranked Among Top Universities in Africa 

The Kenya Methodist University (KEMU) has been ranked as one of the top 100 universities in Africa. The 2023 University Ranking report by UniRanks placed the private university, founded in 1997, among the top nine universities in Kenya. Read more

Kenyan Universities Face Financial Crisis Amid Student Surge

Kenyan public universities are grappling with a deepening financial crisis, as unpaid salaries, wages, retirement benefits, and medical cover arrears have soared by 21.46% to Sh45.33 billion in the last financial year ending June 2023. Read more

KUCCPS Extends Deadline for TVET Application

The Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) on Tuesday extended the application for placement to Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions. Read more

KUCCPS Issues Update on Students Paying for Application of TVET Courses 

The Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) on Thursday issued a clarification to students paying for applications for TVET courses. In a statement, the organisation urged the applicants to only use the KUCCPS official account number to submit their application. Read more

Machogu to varsities: Maintain quality, relevance of courses 

Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu has urged vice chancellors to maintain the quality and relevance of the programs offered to students in the institutions. Read more

March Deadline for Universities to Submit Revised Accreditation Programme 

Vice Chancellors and principals of university colleges have until March 1 to submit revised curricula for accreditation. Commission for University Education (CUE) Secretary, Prof Mike Kuria said the Commission has developed guidelines for review of Teacher Education Programmes (TEPs)… Read more

Meet the Fearless Survivor of Female Genital Mutilation Who Has Changed Her Community’s Perspective on the Value and Place of Women in Society

Dr. Kakenya had to strike a deal with her father and agreed to face the knife only if he would allow her to continue with her education, not marrying her off. Fast forward, Dr. Kakenya is one of the faces of resilience among the Maasai community and has since rescued hundreds of girls from FGM and empowered them through education… Read more

Professor Drought: How to Address the Biting Crisis in Kenyan Universities

A Kenyan vice-chancellor recently went public about the scarcity of university professors. There are fewer than 1,000 professors for the country’s 68 universities and 562,925 students. Read more

PS Muoria Urges TVET Institutions to Ready Certification Under RPL Policy

Principal Secretary State Department for TVET Dr Esther Muoria has asked technical vocational and educational (TVET) institutions to prepare for certification of skills for learners from informal sector following the approval of Recognition of Prior Learning policy (RPL) by the Cabinet on Monday. Read more

Relief For TVET Colleges As State Releases Sh1.192bn Capitation 

The government has released Sh1.192 billion to Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions nationwide. In a statement on Wednesday, TVET PS Esther Muoria said it is a major boost for TVET institutions providing crucial support for tuition, training materials, utilities and curricula activities. Read more 

Rongo University to Collaborate with Canadian University to Strengthen Food Systems

Rongo University in collaboration with the University of Wilfrid Laurier in Canada, has initiated a seven-year programme to educate farmers on modern approaches to food production. Read more

Students from Kenya hail China bond

Jamlick Mwangi Kariuki, a 26-year-old Kenyan, has always wanted to find a way to express appreciation for the great opportunities he has received through his special bond with China, which started in 2018. Read more

Students Urged to Pursue Tertiary Education Irrespective of KCSE Grades

Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA) acting Director General Dr Alice Kande has challenged learners to pursue tertiary education irrespective of the grade they scored the just released Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examination results. Read more

Technical Skills Will Accelerate Implementation of Projects, Ruto 

The Government is revamping Technical and Vocational Colleges to equip the youth with skills to drive the country’s development agenda. President William Ruto said the Government is equipping these institutions to enhance their capacity. Read more

UASU, Egerton University Strike Deal to Avert January 8 Strike

The management of Egerton University has finally agreed to pay lecturers their full salaries from January 31. The more than 600 dons had planned to down tools on January 8 after the management said the university had no money. Read more

UNIMA Hosts Jomo Kenyatta University Visitors

International collaborations have been a prioritized objective of the University of Malawi over the years. This priority aims to expose the institution’s students and staff members to diverse knowledge from around the globe and attract international students to study at UNIMA. Read more

Universities’ Employee Arrears Rise to Sh45bn

The cash crunch in public universities has deepened after unpaid salaries, wages, retirement benefits and medical cover jumped by a fifth to Sh45.33 billion last financial year. Read more

University Entry Requirements to Change as Ministry Adopts New KCSE Grading System 

Students waiting to join Universities, TVET institutions and colleges will now be subjected to a new procedure to pursue courses of their choices after the Ministry of Education introduced a new grading system. Read more

Varsities, Industrial Sector Move to Create Jobs for Graduates

Universities and employers in various sectors have come together to find ways of boosting employment opportunities for graduates. A forum bringing together 12 universities and 10 companies in manufacturing, financial and transport sectors at the Mount Kenya University (MKU), … Read more

WSU Bolsters Relationships with African Universities

Washington State University is expanding its relationships with universities in central and western Africa as part of ongoing efforts to further scholarly exchange and leverage expertise to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges. Read more

 

30 November 2023

19-Year-Old Boy Finally Lands Varsity Scholarship After 2 Years at Home

After spending two years at home unable to join university after sitting his KCSE exams, joy finally visited a young man from Turkana County after he was awarded full scholarship to study medicine and Surgery at Uzima University in Kisumu. Read more

40% Of Students Have Used AI in Their Studies – Survey

Up to 40% of students who participated in a global survey say they have used generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) in their studies – a practice that appears to be more popular in Kenya than any other of the 15 countries included in the report by the impact, research and advocacy arm of the edtech company Chegg. Read more

Africa’s Article Output Grows, But R&D Funding is Lacking

Low public and private investment levels in research and development (R&D) remain a trend in most African countries. Still, this bleak narrative contrasts with knowledge production patterns by African nations as bibliometric studies of articles authored or co-authored by scientists and scholars over the past two decades …Read more

Africa’s Top-Brass Universities Empowered By 5G Tech Spaces …

Africa’s most renowned universities are keen to be at the forefront of Research, Innovation, and Outreach (RIO) of technologies, products, services, and operating models that reduce CO2 emissions and help attain Net Zero Emissions (NZE). Read more

Attacks on Academic Freedom Recorded Across Africa

War-torn Sudan is one of the 30% of countries in the world with the lowest levels of academic freedom, where scholars and university students frequently face pervasive attacks and universities are denied autonomy, according to Scholars at Risk (SAR), a global network that campaigns for the right of academics – and students – to think and express ideas without fear. Read more

Chinese-Funded Link Road Launched at Confucius Institute of Kenyan University 

A paved road linking Confucius Institute of Kenyatta University, Kenya’s second oldest university, to other campus buildings, which was funded and constructed by China Wu Yi, was launched Wednesday. Read more

Dire Need for Free Access to Agricultural Repository

The Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM) and the West and Central African Research and Education Network (WACREN) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to enhance scientific and scholarly communication in Africa. Read more

‘Disconnect’ Between Agriculture and Nutrition in Focus

Africa’s Green Revolution “has let us down”, not because agriculture on the continent is delivering insufficient quantities of food, but because, overall, the food that is being produced is not diverse and nutritious enough, a leading expert told a recent gathering at Stellenbosch University (SU) in South Africa. Read more

Engineering Emerges as an Area of Strength in Subject Rankings

A total of 112 universities in 17 African countries have been ranked in the 20th edition of the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings by subject 2024, an index that each year lists institutions’ performance in academic fields across 11 selected subject areas. Read more

France Eyes Students Outside Traditional African Markets

Some of the French universities that are recruiting students in Africa will accept them based purely on merit, irrespective of the region they come from or the international language they speak back at home. Read more

Government Releases Sh. 5.2b Varsity Loans for First Years

The government has released Sh.5.2 billion for university loans for first year students in the 2023/2024 academic year. Speaking at Kisii University on the outskirts of Kisii town on Tuesday, Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu said the Ministry had completed the process of determining and allocating funds to the students depending on their needs. Read more

Government Urged to Extend Funding to Private Universities

Private Universities have called on the government to provide a fair funding model for all institutions of higher learning in the country, with a view to cushioning parents from the current hard economic times. Read more

Govt Assures of Timely Disbursement of HELB Loans

The Principal Secretary for Higher Education, Mr. Fredrick Ndambuki, has assured that the government will take the necessary steps to ensure that the funds disbursed by the Higher Education’s Loans Board (HELB) reach the learners on time. Read more

Gov’t to Recruit 2,000 TVET Instructors Across Kenya

The government is set to recruit 2,000 more instructors for the 238 Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) colleges across the country. Read more

Hungarian University to Strengthen Kenyan Tvets Through Training 

A leading Hungarian university is poised to jointly work with two technical universities to develop and strengthen the skills of trainers in 13 National Polytechnics in the country. Read more

HELB Loans to Be Released on Tuesday

The Higher Education Loans Board has finalized the processing of loans for first-year university students and TVETS under the New Higher Education Funding Model. This makes the 2022 cohort of Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) the first to benefit from the funding model. Read more

Kenyan University Partners with China to Enroll More International Students 

Students who attended the recently held 2023 Hubei Higher Education Exhibition in Nairobi said they walked away with more knowledge about the many educational opportunities that exist for Kenyan students in China. Read more

Let’s Emulate South Africa Research Funding Model, Says Prof Omwoyo Bosire

When Prof Omwoyo Bosire Onyancha from the University of South Africa spoke during the ninth International Research Conference at Egerton University, his research message was powerful.  Read more

Machakos University Students Stage Demo Over HELB Loan Delay

Machakos University students on Thursday paralyzed operations on the Machakos-Wote Road demanding that the government release Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) funds. Read more

Machogu, TVET Stakeholders Root for Industry-Led Training

The government has renewed its commitment to offer hands on training to trainers in the technical vocational education training institutions across the country. Through a partnership with private sector, German and Finland governments, the state has embarked on dual TVET, …Read more

MKU Researching Plant-Based Soap, Promotes Medicinal Trees

Research towards the production of plant-based black soap is currently at an advanced stage at Mount Kenya University in Kiambu county. The initiative will use aloe vera and bamboo extracts as additives to make soap, MKU pro-chancellor Dr Vincent Gaitho said. Read more

National TVET Conference Closes with a Focus on Enhancing Industry-Driven Skills for Youth

Under the theme, “Enhancing Industry-Driven Skills Development for Youth Employability”, a three-day National TVET conference closed on Friday November 17, with a focus on strengthening the ties between vocational training and industry needs, addressing the critical issue of youth employability in Kenya. Read more

New Varsity Funding to Make Higher Education Accessible

The new varsity funding model seeks to make higher education more accessible and free universities from the financial challenges they have faced, the Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Education Ezekiel Machogu has said. Read more

Planning Can Build Resilience in HE Amid Disasters, Conflict

Ethiopia’s vulnerability to human-made and natural disasters as well as climate change has led to various forms of internal displacement, which is impacting the education sector. Read more

President Ruto Urges Universities to Strengthen Research, Innovation 

President William Ruto has asked universities to strengthen research and innovation to provide solutions to security threats facing the country. He argued that research and innovation remain the cornerstones of progress. Read more

Skills Development for Nuclear Energy Management in Africa

Thirteen member states were represented at this year’s Nuclear Energy Management school, hosted by the South African Nuclear Energy Corporation (Necsa). Read more

Study Identifies Leaders in AI-Driven Healthcare Research

Although South Africa is in the third position of the top 10 productive countries in the world regarding artificial intelligence (AI) for healthcare research in Africa after the United Kingdom and the United States, it has only one university – the University of Cape Town – included in the list of the top 10 institutions in the world. Read more

Students from Africa Have Expectations and Doubts About COP28

During preparatory events ahead of COP28, youth perspectives have been deliberately sought and are expected to be amplified by the 2023 presidency which intends to “centre youth perspectives in international climate policy-making, setting a model for future COPs”, … Read more

TVET Students Set to Join Universities 

Students in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVETs) will now have a chance to join universities once the Kenya Credit Accumulation and Transfer system (KCATS) policy comes into force. Read more

Unrest Looms in Varsities Due to Funding Delays

Public universities and colleges are facing a major financial crisis following the government’s delay to release funds for new students. Almost three months since public universities, technical, vocational education and training institutions (TVETs) and other middle level colleges were ordered to admit students… Read more

Varsity Invents Plant-Based Soap 

Mount Kenya University (MKU) is working on a research project that seeks to come up with plant-based black soap, as part of the institution’s agenda on the production of medicinal products. Read more

Varsity Students Walk to Mark 16 Days of Activism Against GBV 

Kabianga University students joined gender activists in a walk from Kabianga to Kericho town to sensitise the public on human rights in the call for 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. Read more

 

31 October 2023

52 Constituencies to Get TVET Colleges, Says Education PS

State Department for Technical Vocational Education and Training Principal Secretary Esther Muoria has said the ministry is working to ensure each constituency in the country gets its TVET institution. She spoke on Tuesday when she appeared before the National Assembly Education Committee. Read more 

100 Medical Students to Begin Training at KU Hospital This Month

The Kenyatta University Teaching, Research and Referral Hospital is set to take in Kenyatta University school of medicine students for education purposes, but with a limited access to only 100 students. Read more

Additional 2,000 TVET Tutors to be Hired

The government will hire an additional 2,000 tutors to be employed in various Technical and Vocational Education Training institutions across the country. Speaking during the Mashujaa Day celebrations on Friday, President William Ruto said the move will boost the TVET education sector in the country. Read more 

All Parents to Pay University Fees as Changes Made to Funding Formula 

All parents with students in universities and colleges will have to pay fees as the government reviewed the new funding formula months after it was unveiled. Read more

City College Scams Students Sh70m in Fake Foreign Job Placements

At least hundreds of students who were looking forward to travelling abroad to take up professional courses at some of the world’s most prestigious institutions supposedly under an international student placement programme are now crying for justice. Read more

Dire Need to Foster Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in HE

There is a need to enhance diversity, equity and inclusion in higher education institutions across Africa to create a sense of belonging for every student and to advance transformation. Read more

Government In Talks with China for TVET Equipment and Employment Opportunities

Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Education Ezekiel Machogu has said that the government is in talks with China for assistance in equipping 70 Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions countrywide. Read more

HELB Boss Says Students to Wait a Bit Longer for Loans 

Preliminary results for students who applied for their university and college education funding have been processed but they will have to wait a little longer before knowing their fate. Read more

HELB Disburses Loans to Over 800K University, TVET Students

The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) on Wednesday commenced the disbursement of tuition loans to more than 175,000 undergraduate students and over 700,000 continuing TVET students under the Old Higher Education Funding Model (OFM). Read more

In Search of a Pan-African Homeland and Education

Everywhere we look in our global village, we find the Chinese being educated to be Chinese, Americans to be American and Europeans to be Europeans, and so we can go on. The African, on the other hand, has been and is still being educated to be Arabic, European, or European American. Read more

KU Medical Students to Access Institution’s Hospital for Training, Research After Stalemate

Medical students at Kenyatta University will now have access to the institution’s referral hospital for their training and research, according to Health CS Susan Nakhumicha. Read more

Lack of Skills Pushes Recruiters to Retrain Graduates After Employing Them

State Department of Trade and Investments Principal Secretary Juma Mukhwana has said industries have noticed a skill gap among the graduates they recruit. He said the recruiters are forced to train the graduates again once they employ them. Read more

Lobby Seeks to Halt ‘Costly’ University Loans Funding Plan 

The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) has filed a case at the High Court seeking to stop the Ministry of Education from implementing the funding model for higher education which was unveiled by President William Ruto in May. Read more

Matiang’i Grilled Over Sh600 Million Pumped in Abandoned Campuses

Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiangi on Wednesday fought claims that he caused a Sh600 million loss to two universities by directing closure of two satellite campuses. Read more

MOE-German Firm Partner to Recruit TVET Graduates

A German recruiting consultant firm is set to interview Kenyans with technical and vocational skills for various German industries as part of a government-partnered labour migration programme. Read more

Multimedia University Students Protest Over Delayed HELB Funds

Police are currently engaged in running battles with students of Multimedia University in Rongai who are currently protesting over delayed disbursement of Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) funds. Read more

No Solutions Yet to Funding The ‘New’ African University

Funding crises have been among the most intractable problems facing African universities during the entire post-independence period. While the new agenda proposing a ‘new African university’ has focused on identity, potential missions, and philosophical standpoints, few ideas on how to finance these institutions have been offered. Read more

Priorities of New ‘African University’ Lack Substance

There has been an explosion of new universities on the African continent in the past 20 years. During this time, Ethiopia, alone, established 60 new universities. Read more

Prof. Gicharu to Chair Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development 

President William Ruto has appointed Prof. Simon Gicharu to be the chairperson of the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) for a period of three years. Read more

Refugee HE Enrolment Rises Almost Halfway to the 2030 Target

Global enrolment of refugees in higher education increased from 1% in 2019 to 7% in 2023, almost reaching the halfway mark towards the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) target of at least 15% enrolment by 2030 (the ‘15by30’ target). Read more

Retention of Retired Seku University VC Geoffrey Muluvi’s Huge Perks Sparks Uproar

The management council of the South Eastern Kenya University (Seku) has given outgoing Vice Chancellor, Prof Geoffrey Mwanza Muluvi, a farewell package that will see him enjoy the perks of his former position indefinitely. Read more

RVTTI Calls for The Commercialization of TVET Skills

The Rift Valley Technical Training Institute (RVTTI) has launched its 8th The Africa Journal of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (AfriTVET), even as board members and other researchers, innovators, and practitioners of education and training led by the Principal Secretary,… Read more 

School to Teach Skills in Sustainable Energy Regulation

A meeting of African energy and transport ministers has endorsed the African School of Regulation (ASR) which has since received a US$1 million seed grant from the Rockefeller Foundation. Read more

Sh. 103,000 KU Degree Fees Balance Keeps Woman from Graduating for 9 Years

When Maureen Okode enrolled for a Bachelor of Education (Arts) at Kenyatta University in 2014, she held high hopes of graduating in just four years. However, fate had other plans, as the 37-year-old woman has had to wait for 9 years to get excited about the prospect of graduation. Read more

Shandong And Kenya Jointly Open Traditional Medicine Center 

Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Kenya’s Kenyatta University have signed an agreement to jointly establish the China-Kenya Traditional Medicine Center. Read more

Students in Africa Are Among the Most Dissatisfied Globally

African universities score poorly on all metrics of student satisfaction save for online classroom experience where South African institutions scored higher than the global average, according to the 2023 Global Student Satisfaction Awards report just released. Read more

Universities Banking on Research Grants to Stay Afloat 

As universities reel under a shortage of funds, Chuka University and Meru University of Science and Technology are escalating strategies to raise funds to keep them afloat. Dons at Chuka University have placed research as an important component of academic pursuit and means of earning grants for the institutions. Read more

Universities Debt Stands At Sh77b, Machogu Says 

The public universities’ debt has hit over Sh77 billion, Education CS Ezekiel Machogu has announced.Speaking while presiding over the 47th Graduation Ceremony at Egerton University, Machogu attributed the debt to harsh economy and mismanagement of the universities. Read more

Universities Urged to Prepare For CBC 

Universities have been challenged to hasten the adoption of the Competency Based Curriculum system to ensure the smooth transition of learners. Read more

Universities Urged to Restructure Programs to Meet Job Market Demands

Speaking during a public lecture held at the KCA University Ruaraka Campus, KCA Vice Chancellor Prof. Isaiah Wakindiki said universities have a critical role in adapting to evolving job market trends to ensure their graduates are employable. Read more

Universities Urged to Use Research to Solve Problems Kenyans Face 

Universities have been urged to carry out research and innovate to address modern challenges such as food insecurity. Higher Education PS Beatrice Inyangala, who made the plea on Thursday during a graduation ceremony at South Eastern Kenya University (SEKU), in Kitui County, … Read more

Varsity, Secondary Students Feted for Social Innovations

Students from more than 10 learning institutions were yesterday awarded by Africa for SDGS for their exemplary innovations that have positively impacted the society they live in. Read more

 

30 September 2023

Africa Should Focus Research on Population Growth Challenges

Africa should increase investment in research and education to develop the much-needed human capital and knowledge economy that will help solve the challenges associated with rapid population growth that could surpass the current projections,… Read more

Book Interrogates Pathways to Address Challenges in HE

A new thrust towards the search for the identity of African universities has been undertaken by 16 scholars, who have been probing how African academia could construct a progressive future that would address rampant challenges within the sector. Read more

Climate Conference Calls for African-Funded Research Council

The 11th Climate Change and Development in Africa Conference has resolved that the African Union should lead efforts to establish an African-funded research council and ensure that the continent’s education and training systems are responsive to climate change. Read more

Congolese Students in Tanzania, Kenya Welcome Visa Waiver

Students from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) pursuing courses in Kenya and Tanzania have welcomed the visa exemption to Congolese nationals travelling to the two countries. Read more

Diversify Courses to Accommodate Climate Change, Machogu Urge Universities

Universities have been called to promote climate smart agriculture and trade initiatives for sustainable economic growth. Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu said convergence of technology, science and traditional agriculture wisdom can revolutionize cultivation, harvesting and distribution of food in the country. Read more

HELB Publishes List of 57 Beneficiaries with Revoked Clearance Certificates

The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) on Tuesday revoked clearance certificates belonging to 57 Kenyans. While the agency did not disclose the specific reasons for these revocations, it is standard procedure for HELB to withdraw these certificates if they were obtained illegally or issued erroneously. Read more

Kenyatta University VC Paul Wainaina, Olive Mugenda Clash Over Management…

The differences between Kenyatta University Vice Chancellor Paul Wainaina and Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital (KUTRRH) Board Chairperson Olive Mugenda played out when they appeared before a parliamentary committee… Read more

Korea Seals pact with a Kenyan Varsity on maritime courses

A Korean institute has signed an agreement with a Kenyan University to train thousands of youths on various maritime courses. The pact signed between Korea Institute of Maritime and Fisheries Technology (KIMFT) and The Pioneer International University, will see thousands of trained Kenyans get jobs… Read more

KUTRRH Confirms Ready to Onboard KU Medical Students 

The Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital (KUTRRH) has commenced plans to receive the first cohort of 100 Kenyatta University (KU) School of Medicine students following the facility’s recent accreditation as a teaching centre for the university. Read more

Meru University Strengthens Ties With China’s Tianjin City Vocational College 

Meru University of Science and Technology (MUST) has collaborated with Tianjin City Vocational College (TCVC) from the People’s Republic of China to open a Luban Workshop sub-center at the University, which is situated at Nchiru along Meru-Maua Road. Read more

MKU-Namibia’s University Partnership to Enhance Knowledge Sharing

Mount Kenya University (MKU) has signed a collaboration agreement with Namibia’s International University of Management, whose main campus is based in Windhoek. Read more

Mt Kigali University Launches E-Sports Lab to Nurture Talent

Mount Kigali University has launched electronic sports for its students to nurture creativity even as they pursue academic and professional qualifications. The launch was presided over by board of trustees chairman and founder Prof Simon Gicharu. Read more

Researchers Highlight Benefits of Clean Cooking Technologies

The important role of academic institutions in ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all under SDG 7 was underscored during the Africa Climate Summit held in Nairobi, Kenya, from 4-6 September 2023. Read more

Researchers Pool Skills to Design ‘Green’ Sanitary Products

It is clear that ‘going green’ is a concept Dr Jacqueline Kisato feels passionate about, as she explains her affordable, eco-friendly sanitary towel, a product she expects will help empower women and young girls while also putting money into farmers’ pockets. Read more

Some Strides to Include Climate Change in Curricula

“We call for a comprehensive and systemic response to the incipient debt crisis outside default frameworks to create the fiscal space that all developing countries need to finance development and climate action,” African leaders said in the Nairobi Declaration on Climate Change and Call to Action adopted at the conclusion of the Africa Climate Summit… Read more

Study Points to Benefits of Getting to Grips with Plagiarism

A recent study argues that the quality of teaching, learning, and research in Sub-Saharan African universities will improve if the key forms of plagiarism and factors or conditions that open opportunities for plagiarism among students and academics are resolved. Read more

Support Needed to Drive Congo Basin’s Sustainable Development

Collaboration among research institutions and increased funding have been identified as key factors in driving conservation and sustainable development action in the Congo Basin, also known as the ‘lungs of Africa’. Read more

TVET PS Esther Muoria on the Spot For Skipping Parliamentary Committee For Education Forum

The Parliamentary Committee on Education has expressed concerns following the absence of Dr. Esther Muoria, the Principal Secretary (PS) at the State Department for Technical and Vocational Education (TVET), from a crucial sitting held on September 19, 2023. Read more

Universities Demanding Fees, First-Year Students Say

Some public universities appear to have defied a government directive to admit first-year students without demanding fees as they await the processing of their scholarship and loan applications. Read more

Universities Introduce New Games in Line With CBC

The Kenya Universities Sports Federation has introduced new sportis disciplines in their calendar in line with the Competency-Based Curriculum. The new games include American football, korfball, lacrosse, frisbee, and softball. Read more

UoN Dons Demand Clarity on Leadership After Stephen Kiama Return

The unexpected return from leave of University of Nairobi vice-chancellor Professor Stephen Kiama continues to cause confusion in the institution, with a section of the teaching staff yesterday demanding clarity on the leadership. Read more

VC Lauds New Varsity Funding Model, Terms It a Game-Changer

Taita Taveta University Vice Chancellor (VC) Prof. Simuyu Barasa has hailed the recently introduced Higher Education Funding model as a game-changer that not only benefits parents but also provides ample opportunities for students from vulnerable backgrounds to access higher education without financial constraints. Read more

 

31 August 2023

Africa is Home to the Oldest and Youngest Universities

The African continent is home to four of the world’s oldest universities and also to some of the planet’s youngest, first-ever universities in a given country, with some countries having established their first institutions less than 10 years ago. Read more

AG Muturi: Uhuru’s Transfer of Kenyatta University Hospital to Health Ministry Illegal

Attorney General Justin Muturi says the transfer of the Kenyatta University Teaching, Research and Referral Hospital to the Ministry of Health as a parastatal was irregular. Read more

Big Changes Required in the Hiring of University Vice-Chancellors, DVCs

At least 10 public universities are operating without substantive vice-chancellors following the expiry of the terms of the occupants of the office. These include Pwani, Kisii, Technical, Karatina, Machakos, South Eastern, Kabianga and Maasai Mara. Read more

CS Machogu Appoints 13 new Vice Chancellors

New Vice Chancellors (VCs)for public universities have been appointed by Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu, as the tenures of the serving VCs have expired. Read  more

Demand for Higher Education Keeps Growing

Today being International Labour Day Education Times tackles an interesting subject; the pursuit for higher education beyond Rwanda’s borders. The increasing competition on the job market has literally forced those in offices to step out of their comfort zones in search of better qualifications. Read more

Fees Shocker for University Students 

From Thursday, students who have qualified for admission to universities and other tertiary institutions will start applying for funding for their education through the newly created Higher Education Financing Portal. Read more

Far-Reaching Reforms in University Sector Take Shape

Kenya is pursuing a raft of far-reaching reforms in the university sector, which will see institutions barred from offering certificates and diplomas. Read more

Governments Should Value the Teaching Profession

The education sector on the African continent faces various challenges, some of which always recur. They include funding, strikes and protests, poor education systems (the leading challenge), weak education policies and socio-economic issues. Read more

Govt Allocates Sh19.6bn For New University Funding Model to Address Financial Gap

The University Fund has availed scholarships and loans for 130,485 students in public universities while 9,662 students placed in private universities will receive loans out of the 140,107 placed in varsities. Read more

Green Buildings: A Sustainable Path to Student Housing?

The increase in African urbanisation and shortage of campus accommodation due to the growth of the student population are making the adoption of green building practices an environmentally friendly and sustainable path to resilient, affordable housing. Read more

Kenya Launches Portal as New Funding Model Goes Live

Kenya has unveiled a new portal to allow students to apply for scholarships, loans and bursaries under the new university funding system that kicks off next month. Read more

Kenyatta University Wins Highest Number of Trophies at Festival

Kenyatta University Won The Most Trophies At The Just-Concluded Kenya National Music Festival In Nyeri. Carrying More Than 20 Trophies They Won, The University Students Brought Nyeri Town To A Standstill As They Celebrated Their Success At The End Of The Ten-Day Event … Read more

Kuccps Opens Applications to Open University of Kenya

The Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) has opened applications for admission to the Open University of Kenya(OUK).KUCCPS Chief Executive Officer Agnes Mercy Wahome said the applications will be free of charge and without any deadline. Read more

Machogu Defends New Varsity Funding Model

The controversial new university funding is student-centered and will rescue the cash-strapped institutions from the current financial hole, Education CS Ezekiel Machogu has said. Read more

Machogu to Appear Before Mps Over New Varsity Funding Model

Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu will this morning appear before MPs to shed light on the new University Funding Model. The National Assembly Education Committee has convened a meeting with the CS from 10 a.m.  Read more

MoE Announces 18 PHD & 19 Masters Scholarships in the UK

The Ministry of Education (MoE), through the state department of higher education and research, has announced Eighteen (18) PhD and Nineteen (19) Masters full scholarships for Kenyan citizens through the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) in the United Kingdom. Read more

MKU Waives Fees For 4000 Students

Mount Kenya University has waived school fees for more than 4,000 students, amounting to Sh80 million. The university Chairman Simon Gicharu said the beneficiaries are those who were allowed to learn during the Covid-19 pandemic, then graduated but have never collected their certificates due to lack of money. Read more

Mount Kenya University Rwanda Alumni Urged to Collect Certificates After Waiver

Past graduands of the former Mount Kenya University Rwanda (MKUR) campus (renamed Mount Kigali University) yet to collect their certificates can now do so. This is after the institution waived all accrued storage penalties. Read more

Mt Kenya University to Award Ruto’s ICC Lawyer Karim Khan Doctorate Degree

The Mt Kenya University will confer International Criminal Court (ICC) chief prosecutor Karim Khan with an honorary doctor of Law. In a notice published in the dailies on Thursday, August 3, the university stated that Khan will be conferred for his contribution to the corridors of justice and service to humanity. Read more

New Centre to Focus on Agriculture Crises Through Research

The University of Nairobi (UoN) has broken ground for the construction of an agricultural technology and innovation centre aimed at helping to boost the ailing agricultural sector in the country – the first of its kind in Kenya. Read more

New Funding Model to Pull Varsities from Debt Hole, Education PS Beatrice

The government says it has breathed life into public universities that were on collapsing due to financial challenges. According to the Ministry of Education, the new funding model for universities and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) will rescue the institutions from insolvency. Read more

Open University of Kenya to Boost Access to Higher Education, President Ruto Says

The Government is committed to enhancing access to affordable and quality education in the country. President William Ruto said his administration is keen on offering competitive and industry-driven education, aligned with the Government’s economic transformation agenda. Read more

Private Universities Call for Review of New Funding Model

Vice-chancellors from private universities in Kenya are calling for a review of the new universities funding model that will see students acquire scholarships individually. Read more

Rogue Universities Now Put on Notice for Violating Fees Guide

The government has put university bosses on notice for defying set guidelines and fees regulations under the new funding formula. The Standard on Thursday revealed that various universities had expressed intention to flout the arrangement initially announced by the government as they indicated intent to review fees, … Read more

Scheme Helps Women Scientists to Juggle Work and Family

Phoebe Kalelwa Murunga, a masters student in environmental studies at Kenyatta University in Kenya, had to interrupt her postgraduate studies for about a year after she fell pregnant and had her baby. Read more

Senators Puzzled by Kenyatta University, Hospital Row

The Kenyatta University and Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Hospital managements have been asked to resolve their differences to ensure that the more than 2,000 medical students have access to the ultra-modern facility. Read more

Services Public Universities are Onboarding on E-Citizen as Deadline Nears

More than 1,000 services offered by public universities will soon be accessible on e-Citizen as the institutions rush to meet the deadline for transitioning to the government’s online platform. Read more

Shock as Universities Defy Student Fees, Admission Guidelines

It is now emerging that some university heads have defied guidelines issued under the admission of new students under the new funding formula. The Standard has established that various universities seem to flout the arrangement initially announced by the government… Read more

State Elevates 13 TVET Colleges to National Polytechnic Status

The government has elevated 13 Technical and Vocational Colleges to National Polytechnic status to enhance access to higher education. The resolution followed a Cabinet meeting held on Tuesday at the Kakamega State Lodge and chaired by President William Ruto. Read more

State Scholarships: Provide Accurate Data to Get Funding, Geoffrey Monari Tells Students

The new universities funding model has sparked controversy, with many afraid that the awarding of the Higher Education Government Student Scholarship may not be fair and transparent. Read more

State’s New Plan to Pull Public Universities out of Choking Debts

The government has come up with a plan to settle more than Sh60 billion owed to public universities with the first step involving phasing out of the current funding model that has been in existence for more than 30 years. Read more

Students Below 18 Years to Apply for Helb After Cabinet Approval

The Cabinet has waived the requirement for national identity cards for students seeking to apply for scholarships and Helb loans. A cabinet dispatch seen by the Star indicates that the Ministry of Education, jointly with all stakeholder were directed to fast-track access to scholarships for all eligible students. Read more

Student Housing Set to Become One of Biggest Challenges in HE

The shortage of quality and affordable housing units to accommodate university students has become one of the major challenges facing the higher education sector in Sub-Saharan Africa, according to Adamou Labara, the International Finance Corporation’s (IFC) country manager in South Africa. Read more

Students Sensitised on HELB Scholarships, Loans

Students, parents, and education stakeholders in Uriri Sub County, Migori County have undergone a sensitization forum on how to apply for Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) loans and scholarships. Read more

Sub-Saharan Africa Leads Enrolments in Professional Courses

The Sub-Saharan African region has the highest year-on-year average growth rate in the world in the number of people enrolling for professional certificate courses, a new study by a global trainer has found. Read more

Team Creates Giant Agency for Varsity Funding, Intake

The education review team has recommended the creation of a giant board that will merge key agencies handling higher education funding and placement. The Presidential Party on Education Reforms has proposed a bill for the establishment of the Tertiary Education Placement and Funding Board (TEPFB). Read more

TVETs Repositioned to Bring About Socio-Economic Change

It is now or never for Kenya as its government banks on technical and vocational education and training institutions (TVETs) to ready the country for the future. The pace of industrialisation and technological advancements has signaled to countries keen on development and growth that they no longer have the luxury of time. Read more

TVET Tutors Win Post-Graduate Scholarships

Some 20 lecturers and tutors from Kenya, Ethiopia and Tanzania who work in technical and vocational education and training (TVET) institutes have received scholarships for post-graduate studies at top universities in China, part of a wider project by partners to boost skills in the region. Read more

UEW Scholars Engage NCPD on Removal of Barriers for Disability-Inclusive Transport System

The research project, dubbed SITUATE-2, seeks to find viable solutions to the barriers the UEW researchers identified in SITUATE-1, which focused on a policy and practice agenda for a disability-inclusive urban transport system in Accra and Nairobi.   Read more

Underage Students Risk Missing Out on Varsity Scholarships, Loans

Some 2,000 candidates who sat the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education examination last year and qualified for higher education are likely to miss out on loans for being underage. Only students enrolling in tertiary institutions with IDs are eligible for scholarships.  Read more

University Waives Sh80m Fees for 4000 Students 

Over 4,000 graduates from Mount Kenya University can breathe a sigh of relief after the Founder and Chairman of the institution Simon Gicharu announced a waiver of student levies. Read more

Varsity Trains South Africa SMEs on Innovation, Technology

Over 100 small and micro-entrepreneurs (SMEs) from South Africa have begun a five-day innovation and technology exchange programme in Kiambu County to equip them with skills to grow and expand their businesses. Read more

Why Kisii University Got More Students Than KU & UoN – KUCCPS

The Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) has explained why Kisii University recorded the highest number of 2022 KCSE candidates per university’s placement cycle ranking. Read more

Women Still ‘Grossly’ Under-Represented as Academic Leaders

Despite making great strides in various spheres of socio-economic life, African women remain grossly under-represented in academic leadership positions. Less than three out of every 100 universities are led by women vice-chancellors. Read more

Women Student Leaders Plead for Mentorship Opportunities

Women university student union leaders in Africa are pleading for mentorship opportunities from successful women leaders inside and outside academia, lamenting that they were playing second fiddle to their male colleagues, despite more of them getting elected to lead the unions. Read more

 

31 July 2023

50 Students Set to Study in China Via Scholarship

When Adannur Ibrahim applied for a scholarship to study in China last November, he never thought he would be second-time lucky. However, he got lucky and was nominated to take his four-year PhD course in Education, Technology and Communication at the Central China Normal University in Wuhan district, … Read more

54% Of African Student Visa Applications Denied by the US

African students who apply to study at universities and colleges in the United States experience the highest visa refusal rates of all international students applying to study in the US with more than half of all applicants rejected in 2022. Read more

AI Can Help HE, But Guidelines for Ethical Usage Are Needed

Higher education institutions should be prepared to adopt, absorb, and utilise artificial intelligence (AI). This is according to Rwanda’s Minister of Education, Dr. Valentine Uwamariya, who spoke during the 14th Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA) Annual Conference and Meeting in Kigali that ended on 28 June. Read more

Education Ministry Sheds Light on New Funding Model for Universities

The Ministry of Education has elaborated on the new funding model for Universities and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) centres aimed at rescuing the struggling institutions of higher learning from heavy debts. Read more

Egerton University Taps Solar Dryers to Solve Vegetable Storage Problem

Egerton University is promoting a new technology of preserving vegetable products pioneered by the university in partnership with Mukebo Self-Help Group. Read more

Govt Approves Bridging Courses for Varsity Admission

The Cabinet has approved the introduction and accreditation of Bridging Courses in a new move by the government to enhance access to quality university education. Read more

How Varsity Students are Turning Agriculture Waste into Clean Products

The plan was on how they could make good use of agricultural waste by turning pineapple leaves, sugar cane bagasse and corn husks into economically usable products, while helping farmers get rid of the waste from their farms. Read more

KU Hospital Impasse Needs Quick Resolution 

Kenyatta University chiefs have written to the Senate in the hope their medical school students will have access to the Kenyatta University Teaching Research and Referral Hospital. Read more

KU, University of Arkansas to collaborate on joint research projects

Kenyatta University and the University of Arkansas in the United States of America have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish an alliance dedicated to achieving academic excellence and fostering global partnerships. Read more

Milestone As President Ruto to Unveil Kenya’s First Virtual Varsity

History will be set in two weeks when President William Ruto awards a charter to establish the first open university in Kenya following its approval by Parliament early this month. Read more

Mount Kenya University Wins Moot Court Competition in Rwanda

Kiambu-based Mount Kenya University (MKU) has emerged as the overall winner of the just-concluded regional human rights moot competition held in Kigali, Rwanda this week. Read more

Mudavadi Urges Universities to Innovate in Agriculture to Boost Food Security 

Universities have been urged to embrace agricultural innovations and research, to create solutions that will ease the cost of living.Prime Cabinet Secretary, Musalia Mudavadi has said the agricultural sector is the backbone of the economy,  … Read more

Nelson Mandela University to Host Thousands of Youths in a Coding Tournament on Mandela Day 

As the country takes steps to boost Maths, Science and Technology in schools, Nelson Mandela University, Tangible Africa and the Leva Foundation are set to host thousands of young people in a coding tournament on Mandela Day. Approximately 10,000 learners from across Africa and abroad will participate in the event, … Read more

New Centre for Malaria Elimination Launched At MKU

The Government of Japan, in collaboration with Kenya’s ministries of Education and Health have launched a state-of-the-art Malaria research laboratory at Mount Kenya University (MKU)’s main campus in Thika town. Read more

Prof Winston Akala is on A Mission to Make Koitalel an Internationally Recognised Sports Varsity

Prof Winston Akala is the Principal of Koitalel Samoei University College, a constituent college of the University of Nairobi. He spoke to Nation.Africa about the progress, opportunities, challenges, and vision of the Nandi County-based institution as it gears toward the award of a charter. Read more

Reforms Team Says No to New Varsities, Wants Some Closed and Others Merged

If Kenya adopts a radical proposal to stop the establishment of new universities, at least 17 counties without public institutions of higher learning may never get an opportunity to have one. Read more

Report Proposes PSC to Lose Power to Hire University Vice Chancellors

University vice-chancellors and their deputies will no longer be hired through the Public Service Commission (PSC) in changes proposed in the Presidential Working Party on Education Reforms (PWPER) report that is set to be launched this week. Read more

State-of-The-Art Malaria Laboratory Established at Mount Kenya University 

A malaria laboratory has been established at Mount Kenya University (MKU), Thika Campus, to spearhead efforts to eliminate the disease. The total cost of the project is Sh450 million, with Sh300 million allocated for research in Kenya and Sh150 million for similar activities in Japan. Read more

University Councils May Take Over Power to Hire Top Staff from Public Service Commission

Public Service Commission (PSC) may be stripped power to hire top university staff. The education reforms team has proposed that the relevant sections of the Universities Act be amended to allow councils to recruit vice-chancellors. Read more

 

31 May 2023

Blow to Private Universities as Govt Says KCSE Candidates to be Placed in Public Institutions Only

Private Higher Learning Institutions have suffered a mega blow after the Ministry of Education committed to place Kenya Certificate Secondary Education (KCSE) cohorts in Public Universities only. Read more

Boon For 3,000 Technical College Trainers in PSC Promotions 

At least 3,000 trainers and heads of technical training institutions have been promoted by the Public Service Commission (PSC). They had stagnated in the same job groups for a long time before PSC intervened. Read more

KUCCPS Gives Timeline for Opening Portal

The Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mercy Wahome on Wednesday, May 3, clarified that the portal would be opened within a week’s time for the application of courses for the 2022 KCSE candidates. Read more 

KU Students Want the State to Revert Ownership of KUTRRH

Kenyatta University students have called on the state to revert ownership of Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral & Research Hospital (KUTTRH) to the institution, within two weeks. In a statement by KU Students’ Association treasurer, Jaffer Kasaya, the learners want the hospital to facilitate medical students. Read more

Over 140000 Students to Miss HELB Loans

The government has slashed by over Sh5 billion the funds it allocates to the Higher Education Loans Board in a move that will see over 140,000 miss out-of-state loans. Read more

The University of Eldoret Student Stabs Girlfriend to Death in Suspected Love Triangle 

A third -Year University of Eldoret student stabbed his girlfriend to death in a hostel near the institution following a quarrel over love affairs. DCI officers are investigating the incident which happened in the hostel used by the female student. Read more

Two Kenyan Dons, TVETS Clinch Prestigious Global Awards

Two career educationists and three Technical and Vocational Education and Training have thrust Kenya on the world map after being feted by the World Federation of Colleges and Polytechnics (WFCP). Read more

 

30 April 2023

73 Stranded Pwani University Students Leave for Mombasa After Sonko Intervention

There was joy and relief at the Syokimau Standard Gauge Railways terminus on Sunday after Pwani University students who were stranded at the facility got help after intervention by former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko. Read more

Africa’s Universities Are Surging in the World Rankings

Ten years ago, the then-head of the University of Cape Town, Max Price, made a powerful case for Africa to compete against the best in the world in the global university rankings. Read more

Agricultural Technical and Vocational Education and Training (ATVET) in Sub-Saharan Africa…

This report looks at efforts in the region to develop and implement agricultural, technical, and vocational education and training (ATVET). It does this by reviewing TVET and ATVET policies, the institutional landscape and experience in the region and selected countries in Sub-Saharan Africa… Read more

Cash Crisis Looms in TVETS as PS Announces Possible Reduced Gov’t Funding 

State Department for Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVETs) Principal Secretary Esther Muoria has hinted at the possibility of capped capitation for TVETs due to the ongoing cash crisis at the National Treasury. Read more

Confucius Institutes Increase as Another Opens in Djibouti

China is rapidly expanding its language and cultural centres – known as Confucius Institutes – in both number and capacity in Africa, in a move that appears to harness language diplomacy to serve its broader geopolitical and economic agendas. The Djibouti institute is the latest one to open. Read more

CS Kuria Announces 6000 Govt Internships for Certificate & Diploma Students

Trade and Investment Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria, on Friday, April 21, confirmed that the government will offer 6,000 internship slots targeting diploma and certificate students. Read more

Data Project Helps ARUA Universities Evaluate Research Efforts

Despite challenges encountered in their quest to transform into research and postgraduate training institutions, the African Research Universities Alliance, or ARUA, has reported that, in terms of research citation impact, some members have achieved the global average, in some cases exceeding the world score. Read more 

EA’s Struggle for Shrinking Funds Choking Higher Education

Unpaid or delayed salaries and unremitted statutory dues continue to define the harsh financial times at public universities in East Africa as many struggles to fund higher education and are considering passing on the burden to the students. Read more

Garissa University Denies Link to Man Charged with Fake Degree

Garissa University has distanced itself from a man arrested and charged over a fake degree certificate. Abdihakim Dagane Hassan was arraigned at the Garissa chief magistrate’s court charged with seven counts among them forgery. Read more

Garissa University Official Charged Over Fake Academic Certificates

A Garissa University official has been charged Wednesday morning for forging academic papers to secure employment, and promotions at the institution. Abdikarim Dagane Hassan was arrested yesterday by the Ethics and Anti- corruption commission officers… Read more

Garissa University Staff Charged with Forging Academic Papers

A senior Garissa University computer technologist was on Wednesday charged before a Garissa court with forging two university degree certificates and transcripts from Mount Kenya University. Read more

Government Will Double University TVET Funds 

President William Ruto has announced plans to double funds allocated to tertiary institutions. He said the move will help the institutions improve the quality of education. Read more

Inspiring Youth Leadership in Tackling Environmental Challenges in Kenya

We partnered with German Imaging Technologies (GIT), the County Government of Kakamega, the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), and Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) in an effort to improve rural, school, and urban environmental conditions and to educate and empower local communities on environmental concerns. Read more

Kenyan Student Suspensions Spotlight Education Export Issues

A crisis over a threat to deport up to 200 Kenyan students in Finland at the end of March has been narrowly avoided. However, it raises ethical questions over the handling of Finland’s export education scheme. Additionally, county authorities in Kenya have allegedly been dishonest partners. Read more

Mentorship Model for Bioinformatics Students Bears Fruit

Researchers from the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE), with its headquarters in Nairobi, have established a project-based mentorship and incubation programme to bridge the “bioinformatics training gap between undergraduate and graduate programmes or job opportunities”. Read more

Microsoft ADC Revamps Computing Curriculum at Kenyan Varsity 

In partnership with the Microsoft Africa Development Centre (ADC), the Kenyan government through the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) has reviewed the curriculum of the university’s department of computing to match the ongoing digital transformation. Read more

Mount Kenya University Rwanda Gets Accredited

The Government of Rwanda has granted Mount Kenya University Rwanda (MKUR) full accreditation to operate as a fully-fledged university. The accredited institution will launch as Mount Kigali University (MKU). Read more

Nedco Cuts Power Supply to Two Tertiary Institutions and High Court in Wa Over Debts

The Northern Electricity Distribution Company Limited (NEDCo) has cut power supply to the Dr. Hila Limann Technical University (DHLTU), the Wa Nursing Training College (NTC), and the Wa High Court for their indebtedness to the company. Read more

Research Contribution on Cardiovascular Disease Remains Low

Cardiovascular research output from African researchers over the past 50 years remains low, despite marked progress. The annual number of journal articles increased from four publications in 1971 to 3,867 in 2020, according to a study that scanned Web of Science and other sources and retrieved data of publications related to African authorship. Read more 

Scramble for 173000 Students Joining Universities as Private Varsities Claim Discrimination in Placements

Scramble for 173,000 students who attained university entry grade of C+ and above as private universities claim the government is keen to admit all of them to public institutions. Read more

South Eastern Kenya University Ranked Best Performing Learning Institution 

South Eastern Kenya University emerged as the best performing with a composite score of 2.2496. Overall, it was the second-best state corporation. The University of Nairobi was ranked the second-best performing university and the 3rd best state corporation. Read more

State Should Fund Institutions Based on Number of Students

Technical University of Kenya vice chancellor Francis Aduol has said the blanket funding of public universities has landed the institutions in a financial ditch. Aduol said the government should fund institutions based on the number of students. Read more

State to Unveil New Funding Model for TVETS, Universities

President William Ruto has announced that his administration will from May unveil a new funding model for universities and Technical and Vocational Training Institutions. Read more

Students Left Frustrated by Uneven Harmonisation Process

Students from countries that form part of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), which has agreed on a harmonised qualification framework to advance regional mobility as well as the portability and comparability of qualifications, are complaining that they have to wait for months before their qualifications are approved in Kenya. Read more

Students Want HE Institutions to Wake Up to Climate Change

Students who are members of the Climate Students Movement (CSM) have been working across country and regional borders to create awareness about climate change, in particular during April, which they observe as Sustainability Month. Read more

‘Technology is an Essential Component of Gender Equity’

When she was a little girl, Professor Margee Ensign dreamed of becoming a politician. As an adult, she even ran for the United States Congress in 2006. Politics is tough, she believes, and politicians and policy-makers who work to improve lives and create a better and more sustainable world are admirable. Read more

TVET Council Re-Established to Drive Graduate Employability

Kenya has kicked off a fresh drive to develop a robust curriculum for technical and vocational education and training (TVET) institutions to boost graduate employability. Read more

TVET Trainees Participate in Performing Arts Selection Competition 

The Technical Vocational and Education Training Directorate in Vihiga County has organized a music and drama festival competition to select the best performers. Read more

Universities in Six Countries Feature in Subject Rankings

Seventeen departments in African universities are among the world’s top-100 places to study the subjects that they offer, according to the 13^th edition of the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023 that were released in March. Read more

Universities Urged to Collaborate to Address Emerging Challenges

Mount Kenya University has this week hosted an international conference that looked into ways of knowledge and innovation transfer to enable economies to grow sustainably. Read more

Why Mount Kenya University Rwanda leads in hospitality

The practical approach adopted by Mount Kenya University Rwanda (MKUR) where hospitality students are exposed to various field trips has seen the institutions recognised as one of the best in the country. Read more

Why Mt Kenya University Renamed Its Kigali Campus 

Mount Kenya University’s Kigali Campus has been renamed to Mount Kigali University after receiving a charter from the Rwandan government. The privately-owned institution of higher learning, boasting more than 6,000 students, now joins the list of fully-fledged universities in the country. Read more

 

31 March 2023

62% of Staff at Kenyatta University Hospital are Youth Below 35

More than half of the workforce at Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral, and Research Hospital are youth aged 35 years and below, MPs have heard. Read more

435 TVET Learners Graduate in Mandera

A total of 435 Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) learners have graduated from all vocational Technical Centers VTCs across Mandera County. Read more

3,000 Law Graduates Stranded and Denied Career Dreams

Over 3,000 law students who graduated from at least six universities seven years ago are yet to be admitted to the Kenya School of Law (KSL).The law graduates are now stranded and now wondering when they will be admitted for the Diploma Course at KSL so that they can begin practicing their legal careers. Read more

140,000 Students Miss Loans as Helb Runs Out of Cash

Some 140,000 students in public universities and technical and vocational education and training (TVET) colleges have missed State loans after the Higher Education Loans Board (Helb) ran out of cash, setting them up for challenges raising alternative funds for tuition, accommodation and upkeep. Read more

Academic Freedom in Decline in 22 Countries Worldwide

Over the past decade, academic freedom has declined in more than 22 countries representing more than half of the world’s population, four billion people, says the Academic Freedom Index: Update 2023 (AFI), a new study, produced by researchers at the Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Institute of Political Science (FAUIPS, Erlangen-Nuremberg), Germany, and the V-Dem Institute in Gothenburg, Sweden. Read more

Are Political Science Departments Failing to Aid Democracy?

In his book, African Religions in Western Scholarship, published in 1970 in Nairobi by the East African Literature Bureau, the late Ugandan scholar Okot p’Bitek faulted departments of social anthropology at universities in Africa as camping grounds for Western anthropologists who perpetuated colonial myths of African cultures as primitive. Read more

Boost for CBC as Finland Funds Fresh Training for Kenyan Teachers

Kenya’s Competency Based Curriculum (CBC) received a shot in the arm through a partnership with the Finnish government to fund the retraining of teachers on the new syllabus. Read more

Business of Forged Credentials Hurts Honest Graduates

Imagine joining a university, spending thousands of Kenyan shillings, and logging countless hours with the hope of one day securing a certificate that will earn you an employment opportunity. Read more

Cabinet Reinstates TVET Curriculum Certification Council

Cabinet has restored the operation of the Technical and Vocational Education and Training – Curriculum Development Assessment and Certification Council (TVET-CDACC). Read more

Education Ministry Reveals Stance on Tripling University Fees

The government through Education Ministry on Tuesday, March 14, declared its stance on raising university fees from Ksh16,000 to Ksh48,000. Read more 

Do Universities in the Sub-Sahara Serve the Public Good?

To what extent can higher education in Sub-Saharan Africa promote the public good? This was the theme that the Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa (CODESRIA) chose for a special issue of the Journal of Higher Education in Africa. Read more

Extreme Heat is Taking Its Toll on Students and Institutions

Extreme climatic events such as heatwaves and flash floods have resulted in major disruptions and challenges for universities across Africa. Extreme heat events, due to global warming, have been associated with low student turnout, low academic performance, and health risks for academic staff and students. Read more

Funding Crisis: Government, HE Leaders Still Without a Plan

Kenya’s 35 public universities and their constituent colleges are reeling under debts totalling more than KES60 billion (about US$456 million) in workers’ pensions, income tax deductions and other statutory staff remittances but, currently, neither the vice-chancellors nor the government is providing a roadmap on how to salvage the almost insolvent institutions. Read more

Govt Announces Crackdown on TVETS in Fake Certificates Scandals

Josephine Kasera, the Director of Standards and Compliance at the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TVETA), on March 17, stated that uncredited technical schools will soon be closed. Read more

Government to Make a Decision on Increasing Varsity Fees, PS 

The Principal Secretary (PS) in the State Department for Higher Education and Research Dr. Beatrice Muganda Inyangala has explained that the Government is yet to make any decision on increasing tuition fees in public Universities. Read more

HE as a Public Good: Kenya’s Financing Conundrum

This article discusses the expansion of university education in Kenya as a public good, which started with the establishment of the University of Nairobi in 1970. Since then, the government of Kenya has rapidly expanded university education, both public and private, in response to demand. Read more

How Meru and Chuka Universities Raised Income to Beat Tough Times

As Kenyan universities grapple with financial constraints, some institutions devised ways of wading through the tough times. … Read more

JOOUST to Start Teaching Technical and Vocational Courses

Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) in Bondo sub county in Siaya is set to be the first chartered university in Kenya to start teaching artisan courses. Read more

JOOUST to Start Teaching Technical and Vocational Courses

Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) in Bondo sub county in Siaya is set to be the first chartered university in Kenya to start teaching artisan courses. Read more

KUCCPS Explains Mandatory Ksh 1,500 Placement Fee for Students 

The Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) explained why it charges a mandatory Ksh1,500 fee for the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) students seeking to be placed in various institutions of higher learning. Read more

KUSO Calls   for Weekly Friday Demos Over Delayed Helb Loans

University student leaders have called for demonstrations every Friday to protest the delayed disbursement of HELB loans.The call comes on the same day President William Ruto assured that the Higher Education Loans Board was given the funds a fortnight ago. Read more

Lecturers Protest Delayed Universities’ Capitation

Public university lecturers have threatened to protest over delayed capitation to universities. In a letter addressed to Education CS Ezekiel Machogu, the dons said they will not tolerate any delays. Read more

Machogu Directs Meru Varsity Council to Reinstate VC Odhiambo

Education CS Ezekiel Machogu has ordered the reinstatement of ousted Meru University VC Romanus Odhiambo.In a statement on Monday, Machogu termed the move to suspend Odhiambo as ill-termed. Read more

Meru University VC Sacked, Council Cites Poor Performance 

The Meru University of Science and Technology council has declined to renew Vice Chancellor Romanus Odhiambo’s five-year contract. The council further sent him on terminal leave, stating that he had performed below expectations. Read more

Ministry of Education to Scrap KNEC Exams in TVET Reforms

The government plans to abolish Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) examination in polytechnic and TVET institutions in the country. National polytechnics approved by the Kenya National Qualifications Authority will now start offering certification to students. Read more

MKU to Host Major International Conference in Thika 

Mount Kenya University (MKU) in collaboration with the Vincent Pol University of Poland are set to host the 8th International Interdisciplinary and Inter-Universities Consortium -Africa Conference 2023 in Thika town at the end of this month. Read more

MPs’ Committee Told Govt Funding Private Universities at the Expense of State-Owned Institutions 

It has now emerged that the current financial crisis facing bedeviling Public Universities has been precipitated by the ongoing financing model of state institutions mandated to fund higher learning institutions. Read more 

MPs Want State to Stop Funding Students in Private Varsities

Legislators now want the government to fully place students in public universities before sending some to private instructions.In a report, the public Investments Committee on Education and Governance proposed a review of this funding policy. Read more

Nakuru County Upgrades TVETs, Youth Polytechnics to Bridge Skills Gap

Nakuru County Government is in the process of upgrading all Youth Polytechnics and Technical Vocational Education Training Institutes (TVETs) in a move aimed at empowering learners with industry-responsive skills that will help bridge skills gap among TVET graduates. Read more

Online Learning has Taken Root. Now, Let Us Turn to Quality

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which brought greater awareness of the benefits of blended tuition in Africa and beyond, the focus is turning away from the technical stability of learning management systems (LMSs) to concerns about how to support people to get the most out of these ed-tech platforms and enhance the quality of teaching and learning. Read more

Post-Harvest Handling of Seed Potato training and extension held in Amboni, Mweiga, Kieni West, Nyeri

Egerton University, in line with its mission and mandate on extension training and outreach, has established a series of local and international partnerships and linkages in research, teaching, and industry. Read more

Private Varsities Set for Windfall in New Funding Policy 

Private universities expect to reap from a policy shift by the government to drop the current funding formula where all students who score C+ and above get State sponsorship to universities, irrespective of the income of their families. Read more

PSC Seeks Funding to Recruit TVET Trainers 

The Public Service Commission is pushing for funding to recruit Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) trainers.PSC chair Amb. Anthony Muchiri is reaching out to the National Assembly’s Labour Committee to prioritise funding for the recruitment process … Read more 

State Encourages TVETs Growth Through Partnerships

Principal Secretary for Technical, Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Dr. Esther Muoria has asked TVET institutions to pursue modalities for academia/public private partnerships and training with industry players to benefit Kenyan youth. Read more

The Exploitation of Female Students: Be Part of the Answer

A recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention survey found that 18% of teenagers in high school in the United States had experienced sexual assault in the previous year. A BBC documentary called #SexForGrades found widespread evidence of young women being pressured into sex by lecturers in universities in Nigeria and Ghana. Read more

The Magnificent Experience at the 18^th RUFORUM Annual General Meeting

My visit to the RUFORUM meeting was part of the HAMK-coordinated PBL-BioAfrica project that strengthens Kenya’s and Zambia’s higher education by promoting problem-based learning (PBL) and providing real-life based learning experiences to students. Read more

There are no Plans to Privatize Public Universities in Kenya, CS Machogu 

The government is not planning to privatize public universities in the country now or in the near future, Education Cabinet Secretary Mr Ezekiel Machogu said today. Read more

Uhuru-Era Model to Affect University Funding as KUCCPS Delays Posting Candidates

As students wait for Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) opening of the application portal, the government through the University Fund (UF) on Wednesday, March 29, compounded more bad news for the students. Read more

Varsity Student Union Holds Discussion on Gender Empowerment

The University of Nairobi Students Association Mombasa Campus held a conversation on Gender Empowerment and Mainstreaming at Swahilipot Hub in Mombasa County to strengthen the legitimacy of gender equality values… Read more

We Have Allocated Enough Funds for HELB…

President William Ruto has announced that the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) has been given enough funds in the past two weeks to lend to students across the country. Read more

Young Researcher Aims to Produce Cough Syrup from Snail Slime

When most people see snail slime, “Eew!” is usually the thought that runs through their minds. Others might even flinch at the sight of a snail near them. When it comes to Dr Paul Kinoti, however, snails might have just earned him international recognition among trendsetters in research. Read more

 

28 February 2023

200 Meru Varsity Students to be Trained on How to Handle E-Waste

The Meru University of Science and Technology has launched an e-waste management project. The Meru-based university is collaborating on the initiative with GIZ, Wee Centre, and Pan-Africa E-Waste Solutions Ltd, and nearly 200 of its students will be trained in e-waste management. Read more

Acorn, Absa Announce Sh6.7bn Affordable Student Hostels Financing

Student hostels developer Acorn Holding Limited (AHL) will build affordable students’ hostels after inking a Sh6.7 billion financing deal with Absa Group and Absa Bank Kenya.In the deal, AHL will develop ten purpose-built student accommodations (PBSA) in Nairobi, Kenya. Read more

Are the 2022 Results Positive, Negative or Plain Cheating?

Kenya is seeing the highest number of prospective university students in seven years in what could be a major boom for cash-strapped universities, or what could precipitate a crisis for places in the institutions. Read more

Commission Calls for Gender Equality Compliance in Universities

Institutions of higher learning have been asked to enable, embrace and ensure gender equality at all levels. The National Gender and Equality Commission-NGEC has continued with its nationwide campaign to equip these institutions with the relevant skills needed to enhance compliance with gender equality. Read more

Don Fought Tirelessly for Fair Use of Kenya’s Tducation taxes

Kenya’s former education cabinet secretary Professor George Albert Omore Magoha, in his 71st year, was probably best known for tackling difficult issues such as the misappropriation of public funds in the ministry of education. Read more

Egerton & Abrar Universities to Develop Academic Cooperation

Egerton University is planning to enter into an academic partnership with Abrar University of Somalia in a move aimed at broadening the institutions’ pool of doctoral students and supervisors, developing research capacity and sharing facilities as well as expertise through a network of peers. Read more

Government Releases Ksh. 2.7B For Students

The government has released 2.7 billion shillings university loans and bursaries to the Higher Education Loans Board for 180,000 students. The development comes after Kenya University Student Organization held protests in Nairobi on Friday demanding the immediate release of higher education loans… Read more

Govt Announces 8 Courses for New Online University

The State Department for Higher Education and Research, on Tuesday, February 14, announced eight courses which would be offered at The Open University of Kenya (OUK).Students who enrol at the institution would access the courses online at affordable rates. Read more

Include Indigenous Language as Entry Requirement into Tertiary Institutions

The Bureau of Ghana Languages (BGL) has advised Ghana Education Service (GES) to include an indigenous language as an entry requirement into tertiary education. Read more

KCSE Candidates Joining TVETs to Wear Uniforms in New Plan

The Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Principal Secretary Esther Muoria announced plans to introduce uniforms for students joining and those currently at TVETs in the country. Read more

Lecturers Want Machogu to Comment on Varsities Privatisation

Public universities academic staff have faulted Education CS Ezekiel Machogu for remaining silent over the planned privatisation.Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) secretary general Constantine Wasonga said Machogu has failed to comment on the raging debate that began two weeks ago. Read more

Legislator Launches Sh1.7Million Scholarship Program for TVET Courses 

Manyatta Member of Parliament Mr. Gitonga Mukunji has launched a National Government-Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) funded scholarship programme for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) courses to equip school leavers with skills for self-employment. Read more

WAITRO Welcomes Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Botswana

The Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (BUAN) is committed to providing higher education and training in agriculture, natural resources, and related subjects. The university strives to produce job-ready graduates through innovative teaching and research. Read more

Mount Kenya University Rwanda Launches Memoir, Unveils New Hotel Name

Mount Kenya University Rwanda (MKUR) on Friday, February 10, launched a book that documents its journey in the country and the successes it has recorded. At the launch of the memoir titled “Mountain Meets Land of a Thousand Hills,” the university management announced plans to open a hospitality training hotel. Read more

Mount Kenya University Rwanda to Unveil Memoir, Name of Hospitality Training Hotel

Mount Kenya University Rwanda (MKUR) is set to officially launch its memoir on February 10, 2023.The memoir titled Mountain Meets Land of a Thousand Hills, tells the history of the university’s entry into Rwanda and its successes so far. Read more

Machogu’s Directive to Universities After Disbursing Ksh 2.7B HELB Funds

Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu directed universities to allow students who were beneficiaries of bursaries and the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) to sit their end-semester examinations after Ksh 2.7 billion was released by Treasury. Read more

Machogu Thanks US Government for Education Partnerships

Education CS Ezekiel Machogu has thanked the USA government for providing opportunities for Kenyans seeking higher education in the country. The CS was speaking when the US Ambassador to Kenya, Margaret Whitman paid him a courtesy call at Jogoo House on Monday. Read more

New Varsity Admissions Plan Seeks to Limit State Funding for Students

It will no longer be automatic for students who score a grade of C+ and above to be sponsored by the government to pursue courses in universities and colleges. Read more

Presidential Working Party on Education Recommends Increase in University Fees

Students in public universities across Kenya could pay more fees to access education if the recommendations by the presidential working party on education reforms are to be implemented. Read more

Public Service Commission promotes 3,269 TVET Trainers

More than 3,000 Technical and vocational educational training trainers have been promoted to serve in different job grades.Education CS Ezekiel Machogu said out of the promotions, 12 officers have been promoted to chief principal officers. Read more

Public Universities’ Pending Bills

Fresh details of the cash crisis threatening to cripple nearly all public universities have emerged amid revelations the institutions have Sh61 billion pending debts. Read more

Public Universities Woes Pile Amid Sh61 Billion Debt 

Details have emerged of the new financial crisis facing public universities, with debts they owe statutory bodies rising to Sh61.1 billion.It has also emerged that the government owes these institutions of higher learning Sh165 billion, further diminishing hopes of redeeming the situation. Read more

Relief as Needy Students Get NGCDF Bursaries in Kajiado

Kajiado East Constituency Development Fund (CDF) has disbursed cheques worth Sh.18 million for bursary to 3,000 needy secondary, college and university students in the constituency. Read more

Research Ethics Project for Benin, the Gambia, Ivory Coast

Three West African countries – Benin, the Gambia and Ivory Coast – with the support of the South Africa-based ethical research non-governmental organisation EthiXpert – have secured a €1.5 million (about US$1.62 million) grant that will be used to build the capacity of research ethics committees, or RECs, in these countries. Read more

Senate Bill Seeks to Compel all 47 Counties to Establish TVET Colleges 

All 47 county governments will have to establish and manage a technical and vocational training centre, according to a Bill that is before the Senate.The proposed law by Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang’ also gives the devolved units powers to license these centres in their areas of jurisdiction. Read more

State Mulls Plan to Review Varsity Tuition Every Years 

Education stakeholders now want the government to review university tuition fees every four years. The proposal was made during a workshop led by Higher Education and Research Principal Secretary Beatrice Inyangala and attended by vice-chancellors and principals of constituent colleges. Read more

State, Varsity Must be Innovative in Funding 

The rejection of a Sh41.6 billion State funding request from public universities and the Higher Education Loans Board (Helb) though regrettable, is an eye-opener to both the higher institutions of learning and authorities. Read more

Stop ‘Eyeing’ Public Universities Land…

Academic Staff have faulted Trade CS Moses Kuria over his remarks that public universities have a lot of idle lands.UASU secretary general Constantine Wasonga warned government officials of what he termed as ‘eyeing’ public universities’ land. Read more

Student Who Sued University Over Image Wins Ksh 500K 

A former student of the University of Nairobi (UoN) who sued Kabianga University for using his graduation photo without his consent was awarded Ksh500,000. Read more

The Hope Africa University, a Pioneer in New Practices in Higher Education, …

The Director of the Hope Africa University (UEA), Dr. Victor Barantota, hosted on Friday, February 18^th 2022, a press conference on the achievements of UEA since 2000. Read more

The Magnificent Experience at the 18th RUFORUM Annual General Meeting

lorence Chambabulele, final year student of Agribusiness Management at Mulungushi University As an agribusiness student, I experienced a life-changing learning event as a problem-based learning advocate. Read more

Unions Oppose State Plan to Privatise Public Universities Standard

Three University staff bodies, University Academic Staff Union (UASU), Kenya Universities Staff Union (KUSU) and KUDHEIHA Workers, have opposed the proposal to privatise public universities. Read more

University Graduates Urged to Take Up Vocational Training

The Ministry of Education has resounded the call on Uganda’s youth to embrace vocational training and create jobs that address societal challenges.The latest call has been made by the Commissioner for Technical, Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Loy Abaine Muhwezi … Read more

Vertical Farming Comes to the Aid of Refugee Families

As a beneficiary of the TAGDev program, Sognigbehopes hopes to become a Regional Manager for Africa at her current job within the next five years and to establish a scholar’s training center for vulnerable young women as her life mission. Read more

Why Heritage Matters: Mount Kenya University Rwanda Public Lecture 

Africans should embrace and be proud of the continent’s heritage. The value of the heritage is evident, given the many artefacts that were looted during colonization and are now displayed in foreign museums. Read more

 

31 January 2023

Celebrations of the World Philosophy Day 2022 in East Africa

In Kenya, the UNESCO Chair on Bioethics at Egerton University organized a Bioethics Café jointly with the Bioethics Society of Kenya and UNESCO Regional Office for Eastern Africa, on 23 November 2022, under the thought-provoking theme: “Decolonizing Bioethics in Africa“. Read more

C students have a Chance at Top careers with TVET Institutions

Parents of the 2022 KCSE candidates who have excelled are celebrating, and rightly so. After four years of hard work, their children have something to show for it, and are likely to join public universities under government scholarship. Read more

EACC to Launch Integrity Clubs in Universities 

The Ethics and Anti-corruption Commission (EACC) has launched Integrity Clubs in universities in the Nyanza region as a platform for nurturing integrity among learners. Read more

Education CS Details Plan to Phase Out Business Courses in TVETs 

Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu urged all principals of national polytechnics, Technical and Vocational Educational and Training (TVETs) institutions, and teacher training colleges to promote Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) courses. Read more

Education CS Starts Process of Opening New University After Ruto Directive

Education CS Ezekiel Machogu on Monday, January 9 began a consultative process in readiness for the establishment of the National Open University.Machogu revealed this during a meeting with university education stakeholders at his Jogoo House office in Nairobi. Read more

Education CS Urges Universities to Safeguard & Offer Quality Education 

Education cabinet secretary (CS) Ezekiel Machogu has asked universities to maintain high quality in the education they offer.The CS said evaluation systems used should be of high standards to ensure degrees offered were of high standards. Read more

Egerton-Mau Cross Country dubbed “Run for Mau” 8^th Edition Launched

Egerton University has received a boost of Ksh.2 Million from Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB), towards its kitty of environmental conservation. This was announced yesterday during the Launch of Mau-Egerton cross-country at the ARC Hotel. Read more

Egerton University to Sack Lecturers, Scrap Five Degree Courses

Egerton University has announced a plan to sack lecturers and scrap five-degree courses in the latest restructuring move.Vice Chancellor Prof Isaac Kibwage said the move will also play a key role in enhancing financial stability of the institution while countering risks, such as frequent strikes. Read more

Future of the Proposed Vihiga University Hangs in the Balance

A plan to set up another university in Vihiga has elicited mixed reactions from key stakeholders including local politicians. The bone of contention is the proposed Vihiga University College of Health Sciences located barely 10 kilometres from Kaimosi Friends University (Kafu) which received a full charter about six months ago. Read more

Heritage and Utilization of Indigenous African Foods

Egerton University, through the African Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Agriculture and Agribusiness Management (CESAAM) and the Faculty of Agriculture, in collaboration with The Italian Cultural Institute at the Embassy of Italy, Nairobi is pleased to announce a co-lecture scheduled for Monday 23^rd January 2023 at the ARC Hotel, Egerton University. Read more

Kenyan Invents Tool to Prevent Exam Cheating in Universities

What started as a playful experiment for Aaron Shikhule and his friends turned out to be revolutionary software that would promote integrity in educational institutions. Read more

KUCCPS Clarifies Over Raising University Entry Grade to B

The Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) on Tuesday, January 24, dismissed reports that entry grades for boys joining university had been raised. Read more

Lobby Wants Alumni to be Part of Varsity Management

A civil society organisation wants the Universities Act 2012 amended to allow alumni associations to be part of the decision-making organs of public universities. Read more

Machakos University Staff on Go Slow Over Delayed Promotions

Employees of Machakos University have for the second day running protested against what they termed as delayed job promotions and prolonged contracts. Read more

Newly Commissioned TVET To Boost Construction Industry

Newly commissioned Kigumo Technical and Vocational Education Training College has been termed as a hope to hundreds of local youth interested to study various technical courses. Read more

No ‘Tumbo Cuts’, Dreadlocks, Varsity Spells out Varsity dress code

Kenya Methodist University dean of students Esther Mbaabu has stated a list of what would be considered inappropriate dressing at the varsity.In the memo dated January 5, 2023, Mbaabu said all students are required to comply with the University code of dressing. Read more

Open Access Publishing Deal for Low-, Middle-Income Countries

Academics based in 70 low- and middle-income countries, including those in Africa, Asia and the Middle East, will be able to have their primary research published Gold Open Access by Nature – at no cost – thus enabling their scientific work to be permanently and freely available online for anyone to read. Read more

Overqualification: A Symptom of Qualification-Job Mismatch

According to UNESCO’s International Institute for Educational Planning, countries in Sub-Saharan Africa are severely affected by qualifications and skills mismatches, making it hard for employers to find suitable job applicants, or develop the ability to forecast potential skills imbalances. Read more

… RUFORUM Annual General Meetings Agreed upon and 14 New Member Universities Admitted

The Annual General Meeting (AGM) brings together leaders of RUFORUM Member Universities, Governance organs, and other actors, especially Agriculture and Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation sectors from within and outside Africa. Read more

Ruto Directs Education CS to Recharter TUK, Wants Institution Back as Technical College

The Technical University of Kenya will be re-chartered to meet its core mandate of being a polytechnic university, President William Ruto has announced. The Head of State said the charter that the institution holds at the moment does not help it to meet the main role it should be playing. Read more 

Ruto Promises to Abolish Helb, Set Up Funding Body

The government has promised Kenyans that the education sector will improve. President William Ruto has stated that he has used the last four months of his presidency to lay the groundwork for a revolution in the education sector. Read more

Ruto Wants to Abolish HELB, Offer Alternative Funding 

President William Ruto, while ushering New Year at State House, Mombasa, announced that his government planned to abolish the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) that has sustained millions of university students for decades. Read more

TVETs Cancel Admissions for Courses on Business Training 

Technical colleges have started revoking admission letters for learners who had been selected to pursue business courses this year as the government starts to phase out the courses in favour of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (Stem) programs. Read more

Universities Must Deploy Research and Innovation to Deal with Challenges of Our Time

President William Ruto has challenged Kenyan universities to engage in research and innovation that develop solutions to urgent challenges facing Africa and the world. Read more

Universities to Feel the Impact of Ruto’s Reform Efforts

Plans are underway in Kenya for the government to re-introduce, extensively, the marketisation of university education. This is an academic model that will see the return, in large numbers, of fee-paying students to public higher education institutions, many of which are almost bankrupt and on the verge of collapse. Read more

University Entry Points Haven’t Changed

The Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service has termed claims doing rounds on social media about raised varsity entry points as fake news. Read more

Varsity Students Donate Luggage Boxes to Thika Slum Learners

It was a relief to over 50 learners of General Kago Primary School in Thika, after a local University gifted them with boxes to help them carry utilities as they get admitted to Form One. Read more

 

31 December 2022

Accelerating Transformation of Africa Through Higher Education and STI

“While the World is moving into the 4th Industrial revolution, much of Africa still needs to reap full benefits from the 2nd and 3rd revolution”, said Prof Hubert Gijzen, Director, UNESCO Regional Office for Eastern Africa…Read more

Action Urgent to Eliminate Bottlenecks to Self-Employment

Africa needs to adopt a holistic approach if it is to build a strong culture of youth entrepreneurship and help tackle the current youth unemployment crisis gripping many countries on the continent. Read more

African Scholars and Their Impact Need to be More Visible

“Agroecological intensification; reducing chemical inputs while building soil health and microorganisms; fostering diversification, alongside social and political transformations needed to guarantee equity in food systems, must be ramped up urgently to create resilient food systems…Read more

 CBC Task Force Recommendation That Ruto Opposed

President William Ruto was reported to have opposed a recommendation to drop pre-technical subjects in school, arguing that the courses lay a basis for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). Read more

Chinese Firms Hold Job Fair for Kenyan Students

Chinese companies kicked off a two-day job fair on Tuesday in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi, offering about 300 opportunities for Kenyan students. The recruitment fair was hosted by the Confucius Institute at the University of Nairobi with the support of 21 Chinese companies operating in Kenya. Read more

Common Mental Disorders an ‘Enormous’ Burden on Students

To what extent are common mental disorders among university students in Sub-Saharan Africa contributing to academic failure, effectively leading to skills shortages and mismatches in human resources and capacity with the labour market needs in the region? Read more

Digital Economy: Rebrand TVET, Develop Skills and Create Jobs Among Youth

The Government of Kenya recognizes the crucial role technology plays in accelerating the country’s economic transformation agenda and specifically the Digital Economy. Read more

Egerton University VC, Council Members Jailed For 30 Days Over Lecturers Pay 

Egerton University Vice Chancellor Prof Isaac Kibwage and University Council members get a 30 day jail term for contempt of court.Justice David Nderitu imposed an alternative Sh100,000 penalty for Kibwage and the eight council members. Read more

Gender Desk at University of Nairobi launched as the world marks World Aids Day

Hundreds of the University of Nairobi students gather at the main campus on December 1, 2022, which coincided with World AIDS Day, to participate in the colourful event. Read more

Kenya Hosts Forum Seeking to Raise Africa’s Stake in Academic Research 

Kenya will next week host an academy for researchers and scholars on artificial intelligence and machine learning in Africa. The academy, to be held from December 12-16 in Mombasa, will bring together 75 PhD, masters and post-doctorate students together with their supervisors from 22 universities … Read more

Machakos University Closed Indefinitely Over Unrest 

Machakos University’s main campus has been closed indefinitely following student unrest that was spiked with cases of insecurity and the shooting of one student Tuesday. Read more

Machakos University Re-Opens After Indefinite Closure

Machakos University will re-open on December 13, 2022, nearly a week after its indefinite closure on December 7. This is according to the varsity’s Vice Chancellor Prof. Lucy Irungu who had earlier announced its closure citing heightened insecurity and students’ unrest. Read more

Maseno University Graduands Object Varsity’s Plan for Virtual Graduation

The undergraduate finalists of Maseno University are unhappy with the varsity’s resolve to undertake the oncoming graduation virtually. The physical attendees of the graduation coming up on Friday, December 16, would only be PhD and Masters graduands. Read more

MKU Eyes Tanzania, South Sudan, and DRC in Expansion Plan

Mount Kenya University on Friday held its 22^nd graduation, during which the university said it’s evaluating the possibilities of opening campuses in Tanzania, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Read more

MMUST University to Honor Musalia Mudavadi With Honorary Degree 

Prime Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Musalia Mudavadi is set to be conferred with an honorary doctorate in Peace and Sustainable Development by the Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST). Read more

New Initiative Puts Cities at Frontline of Climate Change

A unique multi-level governance initiative that taps the research, innovation and engagement capacity of universities to help cities cope with climate change has been welcomed. However, some African experts say its success will depend on sufficient investment in universities, …Read more

PhD, Master’s Enrolment Jumps 20 Per Cent as Firms Resume Hiring 

Enrolment for postgraduate courses in public universities rebounded and grew highest in three years as firms resumed hiring and restored full salaries, opening opportunities for Master’s and PhD graduates. Read more

Professor Adipala Ekwamu: A Science Ambassador of Note

Professor Adipala Ekwamu is one of the most influential figures in higher education in Africa today, having founded the Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM) and serving as its executive secretary for nearly two decades. Read more

Report Shows Better Research Profiles and Ongoing Challenges

Despite making notable progress in their quest to become research-oriented institutions over the past seven years, universities allied to the African Research Universities Alliance, or ARUA, largely remain undergraduate universities, in what could be a reflection of the general state of institutions across the continent. Read more

Ruto Commissions TVET Complex at Masinde Muliro 

President William Ruto on Friday commissioned an Engineering and TVET Complex at Masinde Muliro University.He reiterated that the government will work with higher learning institutions to strengthen Kenya’s resilience against future threats. Read more

Specialist Training of Health Workers is Urgent

Some universities in Eastern and Southern African countries have programmes for health workers offering advanced degrees that are not accredited by professional bodies, a situation that is misleading to potential candidates who would want to be recognised as specialists in their fields. Read more

State Asked to Fast Track Stalled Koitaleel University 

Political leaders from Nandi County are pushing for the construction of Koitaleel Samoei University main campus in Nandi Hills which stalled in 2018.Four years after the foundation stone was laid by the former President Uhuru Kenyatta and his Deputy, the multibillion project…Read more

Students Call for Sex Education During the University of Nairobi Legal AID Week

UNESCO Our Lives, Our Rights, Our Future Plus (O3 Plus) project partnered with The University of Nairobi Faculty of Law and the Kenya Judicial Service Commission to commemorate the University’s Legal Aid Week. Read more

Student Leaders Often Targeted in ‘Rife’ Online Violence

The cyberstalking, trolling, doxxing and Zoom-bombing of women, alongside hate speech on social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook and WhatsApp groups, are online gender-based violence weapons that have been rife – and they are hard to combat. Read more

TVET Stakeholders in Uganda Evaluate BEAR II Project Ahead of its Closure

The National Close out Forum for the BEAR II Project in Uganda was held on 11 November 2022, in Kampala Uganda. The event organized by Ministry of Education and Sports with support from UNESCO, brought together TVET stakeholders in the country and beneficiaries of the Project. Read more

Twenty (20) Winners of RUFORUM Young African Entrepreneurs Competition 2022…

The Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM) is pleased to announce the 20 winners of the 2022 RUFORUM Young African Entrepreneurs Competition. The competition attracted 136 applications from 16 countries in Africa. Read more

UoN Launches Research Centre to Deal with Non-Communicable Diseases 

The University of Nairobi (UON) has launched the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA), a research Centre of Excellence (CoE) for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs). Read more

University Ordered to Pay 12 Doctors Sh41M Allowances

Kenyatta University (KU) has been ordered to pay 12 doctors Sh41 million as emergency allowances for work done during the height of Covid-19 pandemic. Read more

We are Ready to Partner with Tertiary Institutions 

President William Ruto has said his government was ready to partner with and support tertiary institutions to boost their technical capacity. Read more

What Comedians as Funeral Mourners are Telling Researchers

The emergence of comedies that are performed at funeral rites in cities across Sub-Saharan Africa as business side hustles are getting the attention of researchers of African humour, according to Professor Katrien Pype, a social anthropologist at KU Leuven University in Belgium. Read more

 

30 November 2022

4^th Edition of Universities’ Arts Festivals Kick Off 

The fourth edition of the Kenya Universities Performing Arts Association (KUPAA) festivals officially kicked off at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University in Siaya County, where at least 30 universities across the country gathered at to showcase their talent. Read more

2023 YALI East Africa Regional Leadership Program Cohorts 49, 50 & 51 for Young Leaders in East & Central Africa …

The Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) was launched by former President of the United States Barack Obama as a signature effort to invest in the next generation of African Leaders. Read more

Advances in the Health Sciences Noted

A total of 96 universities in 17 African countries have been ranked in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2023 by Subject that lists achievements in academic fields across 11 selected major subject areas. Read more

‘Africa Needs Digitised Open Universities and Dual Education’

Ivory-tower African universities are alienating the populations and students they are meant to serve when they should be leading development efforts, creating relevant knowledge and meeting local employment needs, according to Ndungu Kahihu, the head of a Kenyan training programme that seeks to empower youth and match them to jobs. Read more

Another Salvo in Cash-Strapped State Universities’ Debt Crisis

Kenya’s public universities could benefit from debt relief to help them cope with pressing financial pressures and save them from imminent shutdown. Read more

As University Shutdowns Loom, Students Face Funding Cuts

Kenya is looking to lock students from wealthy families out of state-funded university learning in a bid to reduce the unbearable burden of subsidised education. Read more

Be Creative and Invest Heavily on Research, Varsities Urged

The Kenyan Commission for University Education (CUE) chairman Prof Nyaigotti Chacha has urged universities in Africa to embrace tough times over inadequate funding. Read more

Business Schools for Climate Leadership Initiative Launched

Six leading African business schools launched the Business Schools for Climate Leadership Africa (BS4CL Africa) initiative to build a collaborative framework for climate action that can transform business education curricula to match the needs and adapt to the realities of the African continent. Read more

Cancer Researchers Must Broaden the Focus of Their Work

Cancer research in Africa has increased over the past decade, but those gains were unevenly distributed as just 13 out of 54 countries on the continent produced 90% of the research, with Egypt and South Africa contributing two-thirds of the peer-reviewed contributions about cancer, … Read more

Climate Action is a Key HE Mandate and in Need of Funding

As the Sharm el-Sheikh climate summit, COP27, unfolds, the higher education community is grasping the opportunity to put some of their demands on the conference table in Egypt, including calls to strengthen educational and research capacities of universities and research centres to tackle the impact of climate change. Read more

Dedicate More Funds to Research Facilities, Prof Michieka Urges State 

An analytical and imaging laboratory has been launched at Murang’a University of Technology to help in research and learning.National Research Fund board of trustees’ chairman Prof Ratemo Michieka said on Friday it is important for the government to invest in such infrastructure in universities. Read more

DTB Recruits 100 University Students for Job Shadowing Program

Diamond Trust Bank (DTB) has taken in the second cohort of 100 students into its Job Shadowing programme that aims to provide students an opportunity to experience the work environment and expose them to various careers in the Bank for a specified period. Read more

Education Taskforce to Hear Views on University Funding

The Presidential Working Party on Education Reforms team has called upon Kenyans to air their views and recommendation on funding of tertiary centers of learning, majority of which are wallowing in debts running into billions of shillings. Read more

Factors that are Stifling Critical Thinking in African HE

This commentary has been triggered by Wachira Kigotho’s article titled, ‘Why the tradition of imparting critical thinking is waning’, published in University World News. Read more

Funding of HE: Replace Monologues with Candid Conversations

In a recent article in University World News, it was reported that Zimbabwe’s minister of higher and tertiary education blamed universities for the widely bemoaned low levels of state funding. Read more 

Government Converts the Following Diplomas into University Degrees 

The Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) has received a certificate of registration and accreditation from the national government following a successful evaluation and subsequent endorsement as a Qualification Awarding Institution (QAI). Read more

Government to Fund University Performing Arts Festivals

The Government of Kenya will fund performing Arts festivals in universities, Youth, Sports and Arts CS Ababu Namwamba has said.Speaking at the closing ceremony of Kenya Universities Performing Arts Association National Festival, Namwamba said the move will promote local talent among the youth. Read more

Hungary Doubles Varsity Scholarships for Kenyan Students

Hungary has doubled scholarship offers to Kenyan undergraduate and post-graduate students from 100 to 200.Hungarian ambassador to Kenya Zsolt Meszaros on Wednesday said the scholarship programme will absorb more students in due course in order to achieve its vision. Read more

Higher Education PS Simon Nabukwesi Challenges Universities to Borrow Global Best Practices if they are to Remain Competitive 

Local universities have been challenged to seek partnerships in research and exchange programmes with global institutions while preparing students to offer solutions to the country’s needs, upon graduation. Read more

Kenyatta University Reinstates VC Sacked Over Land Tussle with State 

Kenyatta University (KU) Council has reinstated Professor Paul Wainaina as the Vice-Chancellor (VC), just two and a half months after his dramatic sacking following a land tussle with the government. Read more

KU Employees Face October Pay Delay on Funding Shortage

Kenyatta University employees are yet to receive their October salaries as the institution is yet to get capitation fund from the Ministry of Education.In an internal memo, the Office of the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Registrar) urged employees to be patient. Read more

Increase University Fees, University Don Says

A Moi University Don Thomas Cheruiyot has said the government should increase university fees if they expect universities to provide quality services.Prof Cheruiyot said students in the higher institutions of learning cannot continue paying Sh16, 000 per year and expect to get quality education… Read more

JKUAT’s Early Maturing Maize Variety Yields 150pc Harvest Defying Drought

Agricultural researchers and scientists at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) couldn’t contain their excitement as they witnessed a bountiful maize harvest. Read more

Low Climate Literacy Among Women, Youth Hampers Resilience

“The US$100 billion pledge for climate finance made about a decade ago appears to be a pipedream. Needless to say, closing finance gaps and increasing the flow of climate finance by billions of dollars per year from both public and private sector is critical,” says Joyce Kimutai, climate scientist and principal meteorologist at the Kenya Meteorological Department, … Read more

Machogu Under Fire Over Universities Funding Freeze Remarks

Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu has come under over what has been termed as a roadside, yet far-reaching declaration on the fate of State funding of public universities. Read more

Measures are in Place to end Riots in Public Universities…

Minister for the Interior Ambrose Dery has assured that measures have been put in place to end the recurrent riots on some university campuses in the country. Read more

Pan Africa Christian (PAC) University Successfully Delivers Training on Digital Skills…

In November last year, PAC University vanquished a slew of other universities from East Africa to win the highly competitive regional tender from German Development Cooperation (GIZ) to train select universities in the six East Africa Community member states on Digital Skills for online teaching and learning. Read more

Place Students You Can Adequately Fund to Universities, KUCCPS told 

Universities want the number of students selected to join the institutions to be determined by the affordability of the government to finance their education needs. Read more

Planetary Health is a Roadmap to Transdisciplinary Action

Higher education institutions and their researchers can advance Planetary Health as a transdisciplinary solutions-oriented approach to tackle global challenges such as the consequences of climate change and health crises. Read more

Private Universities Tell State to Plan, Budget for Students Before Placement

Private universities want the government to determine the available funds to support students’ university education before selection and placement are done. They also want the National Open University of Kenya established and operationalised in the wake of technological advancement and automation. Read more

Private Universities Want Junior Secondary Domiciled in Primary Schools 

Private universities now want Junior Secondary as proposed in the new Competency Based Curriculum (CBC)’s 2-6-3-3-3 system domiciled in primary schools instead of secondary schools. Read  more

Proposal to Merge Helb, Varsity Fund Meets Opposition

Education stakeholders in the university sector have opposed a move that is likely to see two funding bodies merged. In his education charter, President William Ruto proposed to merge the Higher Education Loans Board and the Universities Funding Board. Read more

Staff Salaries Delay as Crisis at Kenyatta University Worsens 

Members of staff at Kenyatta University are a worried lot following a delay in payment of their October monthly salaries. Read more

Stop Sponsoring Students in Private Universities, MP Omboko Milemba to Government

Emuhaya Member of Parliament Omboko Milemba has urged the government to stop sending state-sponsored students to private universities. Students who score C+ (plus) and above in KCSE exams usually secure automatic placement in universities,… Read more

Survey Shows Growth in Climate-Related University Courses

Universities from around the world are moving in the right direction in terms of meeting the challenges of the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), but there are still mountains to climb, participants at the first general conference of the International Association of Universities (IAU) held in six years heard. University World News was the media partner for the event. Read more

The Closing of BEAR II Marks the Opening of a New Green TVET Area for UNESCO in the Region

The stakeholders got the opportunity to share their success stories and reflect on how they will capitalize on their achievements. Initiated by UNESCO in 2017, with financial support from the Republic of Korea, BEAR II aims at improving the relevance, quality and perception of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) systems in the Eastern African countries involved. Read more

Twenty (20) Winners of RUFORUM Young African Entrepreneurs Competition 2022…

The Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM) is pleased to announce the 20 winners of the 2022 RUFORUM Young African Entrepreneurs Competition. The competition attracted 136 applications from 16 countries in Africa… Read more

UoN VC Discloses How KNEC’s Grading System Failed KCSE Candidates

University of Nairobi Vice-Chancellor, Prof John Kiama, on Friday, November 11, criticized the grading system used by the Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC) over what he described as a deliberate move to fail candidates. Read more

Universities Encouraged to Adopt Revenue Generating Mechanisms Following Uncertainty in Govt Funding

Universities have been implored to adopt innovative ways to mobilize for resources so as to address the current funding crisis in the sector.The ailing financial health in public universities has been blamed on underfunding by the National Treasury exacerbating the sinking of universities due to lack of funds. Read more

University of Nairobi Gearing Up to Host BRI Conference Early 2023

The University of Nairobi in conjunction with the University of Johannesburg, Zhejiang University, Ocean College, and the Global Transport and Logistics Research Group, RMIT University is set to host the 7th Global Research Network – Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) Conference 2023. Read more

Universities Seek World Bank Bailout on Biting Cash Crunch

Public Universities are seeking a Sh2.4 billion World Bank bailout to alleviate an acute cash crisis that is threatening to ground their operations. The Universities Fund (UF) has revealed that it submitted a request for a grant to the World Bank to plug the funding shortfall… Read more

Varsity Holds Third Conference on Access to Justice

Egerton University is working with various stakeholders to strengthen access to justice by various parties in Nakuru county before, after and during the electioneering period. Read more

Varsity Upgrades ICT Infrastructure to Boost E-Learning

The lockdowns and shutdowns caused by the Covid-19 pandemic made it essential for educational institutions in Kenya to switch from traditional learning to eLearning with some universities now hosting over 100,000 online learners. Read more

VCs from Africa, Europe Discuss Building Scientific Capacity

Vice-chancellors and university presidents from more than 30 universities across Africa and Europe met for the first summit between the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA), and The Guild of European Research-Intensive Universities early in November. Read more

VUT Strengthens Ties with Kenya’s Maasai Mara University… 

On Thursday, 8 November 2022, the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) and Maasai Mara University (MMARAU) from Kenya strengthened their ties and formalised their longstanding relationship by signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the two universities. Read more

‘You Have a Role in Building Democracy,’ Researchers Hear

The African academic community has an essential role to play in promoting democracy on the continent, particularly through research on what ordinary citizens think about the subject and on the broader question of good governance. Read more

 

31 October 2022

3 Kenyan Students Beat 256 Others to Win Continental Award

Three students from Kenyan universities were feted during the Africa Tech Challenge (ATC) after outwitting 256 others drawn from various institutions across Africa. Read more

Balancing Life as a Postgraduate Student is a Challenge

There are three main basic elements in the DLK: light, ventilation, and protection. The light should be indirect, but sufficient to ensure short, firm and coloured sprouts. Long, white sprouts cause easy and fast shrinkage of the tuber. Read more

Can Ruto’s Education Taskforce Deliver Workable Reforms?

The Kenyan government has set up a committee to review the country’s education system and to make recommendations that would promote social justice and better prepare the youth with the knowledge, skills, and expertise they need to engage in learning activities that would enhance their quality of life. Read more

Confucius Institutes in Africa Emphasise Culture Exchanges, Not Just Teaching Chinese Lifestyles

Confucius Institute at the University of Johannesburg (UJCI), the fifth Confucius Institute opened in South Africa, was established in 2016, offering Chinese language teaching to students and nearby communities. Read more

Deal offers German Opportunities for MKU Trained Medics

Mount Kenya University has partnered with a German university to offer MKU-trained health personnel opportunities in Germany. Read more

DP Gachagua Urges Parents to Enroll Children in TVET Institutions 

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has urged parents to prioritise Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) for their children, as it presents more self-employment career opportunities. Read more

Egerton Staff on Half Pay to Down Tools this Week 

At least 700 members of the Kenya Universities Staff Union (Kusu) Egerton University branch will go on strike in a week if the institution fails to clear salary arrears running into millions of shillings. Read more

Egerton University Employees Issue Seven-Day Strike Notice

Egerton University workers have issued a seven-day strike notice over salary arrears. Kenya Universities Staff Union (Kusu) Secretary General Charles Mukhwaya said the welfare of their members at Egerton University, for close to three years now, was worrying. Read more

Egerton University Staff Issue 7-Day Strike Notice

The Kenya University Staff Union (KUSU) has issued a seven-day strike notice for Egerton University lecturers over delayed salaries. KUSU secretary general Charles Mukhwaya said the University has seven days starting October 5 to meet demands of over 700 Egerton University lecturers or industrial action will be taken. Read more

First Phase of Kenya, Korea Vocational Training Program Kicks Off 

The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), under its flagship fellowship program called Capacity Improvement and Advancement for Tomorrow (CIAT), has implemented the first phase of its Youth and Women Empowerment Program. Read more

DP Gachagua to Inaugurate Taskforce to Evaluate CBC 

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua will inaugurate the Working Party on Education Reform tasked to review the Competence Based Curriculum (CBC). Read more

DRC Minister of Education Visits Inter-University Council for East Africa 

The Democratic Republic of Congo Minister of Higher Education, Muhindo Nzangi Butondo has on Monday visited the Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA) offices in Kampala. Read more

HELB Dispatches Debt Collectors to Recover Loans from Graduates 

The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) has resorted to using debt collectors to recover the billions in arrears.In a notice seen by Kenyans.co.ke, the board invited interested, reputable firms with extensive experience to apply for debt collection services. Read more

Kenyatta University Students Warn Against Proposed fees increase 

Kenyatta University student leaders have rejected a proposal to increase tuition fees in institutions of higher learning. Vice-chancellors in public universities have proposed to increase fees from the current Sh16,000 per semester effective September, next year. Read more

Medics To Benefit from German Training Deal

Mount Kenya University (MKU) has partnered with a German institution to offer training and apprenticeship to students in healthcare in a bid to tap into the growing Germany market. Read more

Megacities and the Challenge of Inclusive Higher Education

Ever since the first humans migrated out of Africa many years ago, humanity has been on the move and humans have been migrating on a global scale ever since. Read more

Mt Kenya University Seek Make Amends as They Eye Top Position

After failing to beat Kenyatta University over the weekend, Mount Kenya University Woodball team player, Faith Anyango says they will make amends before the next round this weekend. Read more

Murang’a Students Joining Universities to Get Sh10,000 Each

About 1,013 KCSE candidates from Murang’a who attained university enrolment points in last year’s exam will receive Sh10,000 to help them enrol for their degree courses. Read more

New Cinematography Institution to Boost Film Industry

The first-ever tertiary training institution for cinematography in the Central Africa sub-region, the Higher Institute of Cinema and Audiovisual Professionals of Central Africa (ISCAC), has opened in Cameroon. Read more

New KU Students’ Council Resorts to Diplomacy in Varsity Woes 

Kenyatta University student leaders have committed to employing diplomacy in solving current varsity woes. Some students maintained their stand on what they term an illegal takeover of school property. Read more

Number of Ranked Universities in Africa Increases to 97

African universities have made dramatic progress in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2023 as, for the first time, 97 universities from 17 countries, up from 71 last year, have been rated to be part of the best universities globally, with 10 of them in the top 500. Read more

Postgraduate Funding: Where There is a Will, There’s a Way

My name is Felister Makau. I am a postgraduate student at Egerton University, which is in the Njoro area in Kenya’s Nakuru County. I am working on a masters degree in horticulture. Read more

President Ruto’s Education Taskforce to Commence Public Hearings Monday

The taskforce on education reforms will on Monday kick off two-week public hearings across all the Forty-Seven counties. Read more

Research Ethics of Science, Innovation and Technology in Africa

Since the 1970s, UNESCO build knowledge and reinforce awareness linkages among ethicists, scientists, research institutions, policymakers, academia, judges, journalists, civil society as well as the general public to assist Member States in enacting sound and reasoned policies and setting up of institutional frameworks to address ethical issues in science and technology. Read more

Ruto’s CBC Task Force Faces Hurdles 1 Day After Formation

Kenya University Staff Union (KUSU) has threatened to challenge the findings of the Working Party Education Reform, the task force formed to review the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC). Read more

Ruto Set to Unveil University Offering Degrees at Cheaper Prices

President William Ruto has rolled out plans to unveil the National Open University of Kenya which will offer affordable courses. Ruto’s plan to open the one-of-a-kind institution of higher learning received a shot in the arm after the Presidential Working Party on Education Reforms … Read more

Students From Rich Families to Pay More University Fees

Students from rich families will pay more for their education in public universities in the latest push to ease a biting cash crunch in the institutions and cut reliance on the Treasury. Read more

Tanzania, Kenya Form New Teams to Review Education

Days after Tanzania opened discussions on improving its education curriculum, Kenya President William Ruto named a 49-member Working Party on Education that will gather views on, among other things, assess and recommend an appropriate structure to implement the competency-based curriculum, whose first cohort is in Grade 6. Read more

The Duty to Care Should be Higher Education’s Fifth Mission

COVID-19 exposed and exacerbated higher education’s pre-existing structural deficiencies. It forced universities to re-evaluate their telos – their value and purpose – undergirding their teaching and research functions, business models, governance and institutional cultures, and external engagements. Read more

Tissue Culture Tech Boosts Kenya’s Potato Yields

A community project that provides farmers with healthy potato seeds, cultivated using innovative laboratory techniques is significantly increasing yields in Kenya, an agricultural expert says. Read more

TVET Enhanced by South Koreans in Three-Year Programme 

South Korean experts are implementing a three-year programme to upgrade Technical and Vocational Education Training in Kenya. The programme aims to improve and develop TVET in turn passing it on to learners. Read more

TVET Students to be Trained on Entrepreneurship, Business Management 

The County Government of Nyeri has entered into an agreement with CAP Youth Empowerment Institute (CAP-YEI) to provide mentorship to the local youth in technical and vocational training centres on entrepreneurship and business management. Read more

Twenty (20) Winners of RUFORUM Young African Entrepreneurs Competition…

The Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM) is pleased to announce the 20 winners of the 2022 RUFORUM Young African Entrepreneurs Competition. The competition attracted 136 applications from 16 countries in Africa… Read more

UB Marathon LOC Target Kenyans

The Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the inaugural University of Botswana (UB) marathon is targeting Kenyan athletes. The LOC has already sent out invitations to Athletics Kenya to assist in facilitating the arrangement. Read more

Union Threatens Industrial Action if University Fails to Honour CBA

Kenya Union of Domestic Hotels, Educational Institutions and Hospital Workers, KUDHEIHA, has issued a 14-day strike notice to the board of Egerton University over alleged noncompliance with a signed Collective Bargaining Agreement. Read more

Universities Launch Fresh Push to Triple Tuition Fees

Vice-chancellors have revived the petition to increase tuition fees in public universities in the latest efforts to keep the institutions afloat. A memo from the Ministry of Education has revealed the push by the top university administrators for the upward review of fees in the next intake of first years. Read more

UoN Distances Self from Varsities Plan to Triple Tuition Fees

The University of Nairobi has distanced itself from the recent push by vice chancellors to increase tuition fees. Two weeks ago, vice chancellors called for an upward review of fees in public universities citing the rising costs of living. Read more

Vice Chancellor: Innovation, Research Key Drivers of Growth

Egerton University Vice-Chancellor Professor Isaac Kibwage has stated that research holds the key to unlocking the country’s potential while urging training institutions to embrace innovation as this would boost skills development. Read more

Why VCs Want University Curriculum Changed Amid CBC Review

Vice chancellors are calling for a review of the higher education system to have parents involved more in managing students.Speaking on October 6, the chair of the Vice Chancellors’ committee and South Eastern Kenya University (SEKU) VC, Prof Geoffrey Muluvi, noted that students were struggling to adapt to excess freedom … Read more

 

30 September 2022

73 Students to Join 48 Global Universities Through Equity Scholarships

73 students are set to join top universities in the world after securing scholarships under the Equity Group Foundation’s Education and Leadership Development Program. Read more

Africa Higher Education Centres of Excellence for Development Impact (ACE Impact) to Reward Quality, Applied Research and Innovation

SIRA recognizes and promotes excellent research and innovation which responds to Africa’s developmental challenges. Read more

ARUA to Add Seven Centres of Excellence in the Next Year

The African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) will increase the number of Centres of Excellence it runs from 13 to 20 in the next 12 months in response to the need for increased university-led knowledge output in priority scientific areas. Read more

Balancing Life as a Postgraduate student is a Challenge

My name is Enock Rugut. I am a second-year master’s student at Egerton University located in Njoro, Kenya, where I am working on a degree in plant breeding. Read more

Bond May Raise US$50 Million for Shortfall in Student Loans

Kenya is seeking to raise US$50 million through a public bond to finance loans for university students. Read more

Burnout Cases on the Increase in Academia, Says Report

Kenya’s university lecturers are reporting increasing cases of burnout due to their escalating workload and low pay, a new survey by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) shows. Read more

Certificates Must be Legitimately Earned, Says Varsity Don

Murang’a University of Technology Vice Chancellor Prof. Dickson Nyariki has said certificates obtained at the university after successful completion of a course should be rightfully earned. Read more

Climate Education Can ‘Lure More Youths into Climate Action’

Despite the compelling need to produce experts and specialists with the skills and competencies to contribute to climate action on a greater scale, the uptake of climate change education at learning institutions across Africa was slow. Read more

Decolonial Scholarship: Do Academics in Africa have Clay Feet?

Many high-ranking scholars in Africa are not merely fascinated by the historical colonial domination agenda but are the intellectual and active guardians of ideas and objectives of neocolonialism and coloniality that suppress academic freedom, creativity and innovation in African universities and other tertiary institutions in the continent. Read more

Egerton University to Host National Legal Conference

Egerton University is scheduled to hold its Third National Legal Aid Conference aimed at exploring ways of enhancing the role of the judiciary in African states as a pillar of democracy for sustainable peace and development. Read more

E-Learning Feat: History Made as USIU-Africa Fully Online MBA Class Among 1,339 Graduands Delivered at its 44th Commencement Ceremony

The United States International University-Africa (USIU-Africa) on September 24 made history in the local higher education space with the graduation of its first cohort of students who pursued their Masters of Business Administration (MBA) that was delivered fully online. Read more

Ethics in Research Crucial for Quality Journal Papers

Doing what is right, just and fair is pivotal during the academic research process, according to Dr Kefa Simwa, the executive director for the African Network for Internationalization of Education (ANIE), who also emphasised the critical importance of research ethics at a recent gathering of young researchers. Read more

Freshers Cautioned on Time Management as Universities Open

First year students have been warned to be time conscious as they start earning marks towards degree awards from Year One not in Third or Fourth year.Mout Kenya University (MKU) Vice chancellor, Prof Deogratius Jaganyi says the former secondary school students often get confused by university life… Read more

Governance Systems Can aid Seamless Leadership Transitions

Moments of leadership transition reveal much about the governance systems and processes in an organization. The more robust the institutional arrangements are, the more seamless the transition. Read more

Govt Proposes Adopting Primary School System in Universities 

The Government through the Ministry of Education has proposed the adoption of the primary school data system National Education Management System (Nemis) at universities countrywide. Read more

HACO, University of Nairobi Collaborate on Industrial Placement 

HACO Industries and the University of Nairobi have signed an agreement to collaborate to advance the Fourth Industrial Revolution as part of the company’s wider aim to bridge the gap between industry and academia in the country. Read more

HE has Role in Unlocking Green Growth on the Continent

The advancement of green growth in Africa has implications for education and training as well as research and innovation, ranging from rethinking how to mainstream the green growth approach into the formal education system, to developing the required human resources. Read more

HE in Prisons Still ‘Patchy’ Despite Expansion of E-Learning

The COVD-19 pandemic’s expansion of online learning has created new higher education opportunities to teach Africa’s prison inmates, but even the administrators of some correctional facilities and government officials have been reluctant to take advantage of these options. Read more

Kenyan Students Win $1 Million Prize for Business Innovation

A team of students from Kenya’s St Paul’s University last night won the global finals of the 2022 Hult Prize for their business innovation. Read more

Lecturers Ask Ruto to Save Ailing Universities

Academic staff from various universities now want the new government to increase funding and save the ailing institutions.Kipkoros Kandie, an engineer from the University of Nairobi, said the Kenya Kwanza education charter should be able to deal with these issues. Read more

Mining and Minerals have had Limited Educational Benefits

The story of mineral discoveries and mining in Africa being a social curse for the continent is likely to persist after researchers at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank recently found no conclusive evidence of intergenerational mobility into higher education in most African countries and districts where extractions of mineral resources occur. Read more

Moi University Students Ask William Ruto’s Gov’t to Fastrack Release of Helb Loans

The Moi University students’ association leadership wants President William Ruto to push the Higher Education Loans Board (Helb) to appropriately credit funds into their bank accounts. Read more

Mwingi SEKU Campus To Cost Sh350million, Says VC

South Eastern Kenya University( SEKU) Vice Chancellor Professor Geoffrey Muluvi has said that construction of SEKU Mwingi campus in Kanzoka area, Mwingi central is set to cost Sh350 million and is expected to take a duration of two years to be fully completed. Read more

Post-Pandemic: Some ‘Forever’ Changes to Higher Education

Since COVID-19 marched across the world disrupting most aspects of life, including higher education, numerous articles have been written detailing the impact of the virus on higher education. Read more

‘Rebuild the Intellectual Community on the Continent’

Neo-liberalism has devastated African universities, turning them from vibrant centres of new thinking and academic comradeship into factories churning out marketable academic products and “saleable” students, according to leading Tanzanian scholar-activist Issa Shivji. Read more

Research on Food Security in Need of More Collaboration

African universities have been conducting most of their agricultural research focused on their home countries, but mostly lacking in a transdisciplinary or multidisciplinary approach. At the same time, collaborations are formed mostly with foreign counterparts rather than with colleagues at home or from elsewhere on the continent. Most of the work is conducted by male researchers. Read more

Scientist Wants Everyone in Africa to Have Clean Water

She has spent countless days and nights in the lab, carefully analysing molecules and nanoparticles that can degrade different impurities and filter water. Her face brightens when she talks about water purification and decontamination in Africa. Read more

Strathmore University & Adrian Kenya Collaborate to Build Capacity in Renewable Energy Solutions

Strathmore University and Adrian Kenya have announced their intention to collaborate to build capacity in renewable energy solutions in Kenya. The two organizations signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Read more

Strathmore University in Deal to Revamp Remote Learning

Strathmore University has partnered with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to revamp its remote learning programme worldwide. The move to cloud means that the university no longer has to worry about maintaining hardware and can scale its e-learning with ease. Read more

Testament to African Scientists’ Genomics Surveillance

The rapid expansion of genomics surveillance through a wide-ranging scientific collaborative network has enabled African scientists and public health institutions to illustrate how the SARS-CoV-2 variants reached and spread across the African continent in real time during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a study published in the journal Science. Read more

University To Produce Cough Syrup from Snail Slime

A group of researchers from Jomo Kenyatta University of Science and Technology (JKUAT) are in the process of coming up with a cough syrup from snail slime.Led by Dr. Paul Kinoti, the researchers said the research is in its initial stages… Read more

UoN VC Stephen Kiama Announces Plan to Offer Students Jobs 

Graduates from the University of Nairobi (UoN) may not tarmac for long if a plan by the leading institution of higher learning to link its students to jobs materialises. Read more

USIU-Africa Delivers First Set of Fully Online MBA Graduands

The United States International University-Africa (USIU-Africa) has today made history in the local higher education space with the graduation of its first cohort of students who pursued their Masters of Business Administration (MBA) that was delivered fully online. Read more

Varsity Students Ask Ruto to Deal with Delayed HELB Disbursement 

Kenya University Students Organization has urged President William Ruto to intervene on matters HEL B. Kenya University Students Organization chair Anthony Manyara wrote to President Ruto on September 26, saying needy university students were suffering. Read more

Varsity that Adopted Online Learning Before Covid Struck Reaps Benefits

Many public universities have been struggling to implement online learning, since they adopted it during the Covid-19 lockdown.However, Kibabii University Vice Chancellor Prof Ipara Odeo says the Bungoma-based university has probably cracked it. Read more

VCs Demand Universities’ Ministry

University bosses now want the government to create a standalone University Education and Research ministry to make the sector fully independent.The proposal came up during the first international annual conference for public universities’ management in Mombasa. Read more

Water Firm to Partner with a Local University in Actualizing Production of Biogas

Murang’a Water and Sanitation Company (Muwasco) is planning to enter into partnership with a local university to help in research and implementation of a project on gas production. Read more

What can be Done About the Growth in Dissertation Mills?

Academic dishonesty is on the rise in universities in Africa – and globally – including dissertation fraud. Read more

 

31 August 2022

20 Teams to Grace Kenya Varsity League Next Month

A total of 20 teams have confirmed participation in the Kenya Varsity League slated for September 24-November 26.16 teams have been entered in the men’s category with four in the women’s division. Read more

African Seed Fund for Research and Education Launched by Imperial

Imperial has launched a wide-ranging new seed fund for research and education projects with partners in Africa.The College will provide funding for collaborations with partners at the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) and members of the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA). Read more

Benin Bronzes: Divergent Views on Repatriation of Artefacts

The announcement by the London-based Horniman Museum of the return to Nigeria of 72 artefacts that have been in its collection for about 125 years has spawned divergent responses from experts in the West African country’s academic and cultural communities. Read more

Egerton VC Outlines Sweeping Vision for Varsity

Egerton University vice chancellor Isaac Kibwage has announced sweeping reforms to put the institution back on the path to the glory it has trodden for decades. Read more

Eight New Last-Minute Universities Worry Analysts

Award of charters is becoming a political bait in the run-up to every election after President Uhuru Kenyatta created eight new universities in the last two weeks of the expiry of his term, repeating the same pattern witnessed in 2017. Read more

Kenyan, HE Loses as Politicians Try to Score Election Wins

All Kenya’s former presidents, Jomo Kenyatta, Daniel arap Moi and Mwai Kibaki, had an appetite for stamping indelible marks on the development of the country’s university system – and Uhuru Kenyatta, belatedly, has walked in the footsteps of his predecessors. Read more

Kenyan University Trained on Blockchain by Polygon Carry Hope for the Continent

From 11th- 15th July this year, students from Multimedia University were taken through an introductory training course on blockchain, organized by Impact+ and Polygon. Read more

Kenyatta University Vice Chancellor Sacked

Embattled Kenyatta University vice-chancellor Paul Wainaina has been sacked. This is according to a memo sent to the university’s staff and students by acting VC Waceke Wanjohi. Read more

Knowledge Co-Production a Prerequisite in Climate Change Battle

Universities can help to initiate discussions to strengthen the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and can promote the political accountability needed to attain them. Read more

KU Vice-Chancellor Tells Staff to Ignore ‘Illegal’ Council

Kenyatta University staff and students have been asked not to take orders from the current administration over claims that it is illegitimately in office. Read more

Lack of Data Derails the Planning and Growth of Universities

A lack of reliable data across Africa has weakened policies to improve higher education across the continent, development experts argue. Read more

Masinde Muliro Lecturer Starts Career Guidance Platform

A university lecturer has embarked on guiding students transiting from secondary schools to universities on career choices tailored to meet market needs.Dr Ronald Michieka, a lecturer at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, observes that many youths are engaged in jobs unrelated to courses they pursued. Read more

Magoha Explains Why Ruto Cannot Scrap CBC

Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha has allayed fears over the scrapping of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) should President-elect William Ruto be sworn in as the fifth president. Read more

Pan African University Grows, but Also Faces Challenges

The African Union-run Pan African University (PAU) has been attracting a growing number of postgraduate students since its establishment in 2012, and its research and development thrust has seen the registration of patents, the publication of academic articles and the establishment of innovation and entrepreneurship hubs. Read more

Over 6, 500 Graduate as MKU Gets More Local and Foreign Partners

More than 6,500 graduated at Mount Kenya University (MKU) during the 21^st graduation ceremony of the institution held last Friday, an increase of four per cent compared to 6,239 who were feted during the December 2021 event. Read more

RUFORUM Board Appoints a New Executive Secretary

Professor Theresia Nkuo-Akenji, RUFORUM Board Chair and Vice Chancellor University of Bamenda in Cameroon today announced the appointment of Dr. Patrick Okori as the next RUFORUM Executive Secretary effective 01 January 2023. Read more

School Leadership Event in Sierra Leone Draws Experts Across Africa

Education Development Trust (EDT) co-hosted a knowledge exchange event last month, bringing together key stakeholders and policymakers from Sierra Leone’s education sector. Read more

State starts auditing private universities’ fee structures

A government agency has started auditing fee structures of private universities admitting State-sponsored students in a bid to streamline funding to the institutions. Read more

Strong-Willed Kenyatta University VC Who Defied Power

To some, Prof Paul Wainaina, the Vice-Chancellor of Kenyatta University, is an uncompromising defender of the public university’s right to its property. To others, he is an administration gadfly ­standing in the way of government efforts to reallocate public land to other equally important projects. Read more

The Seduction, Joys and Privileges of University Leadership

I first entered university leadership by accident and rather reluctantly in 1994 when I was persuaded to assume the role of college principal at Trent University in Ontario, Canada. I had initially resisted becoming an administrator, joining what I regarded, in the typically dismissive attitude of faculty, as the dark side of academe, abandoning my true vocation as a scholar. Read more

UDSM Dons Lead at the 4th ACOSCM Conference

The University of Dar es Salaam has won first place in both the best overall paper and best oral presentation categories at the 4th African Conference on Operations and Supply Chain Management (ACOSCM) held recently in Nairobi, Kenya. Read more

Uhuru Commissions National Defense University

President Uhuru Kenyatta has inaugurated the National Defense University-Kenya (NDU-K).He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to empowering the country’s defense, security and governance professionals through the provision of quality training. Read more

Uhuru Grants Charters to 8 Universities

President Uhuru Kenyatta issued charters to eight universities on Tuesday, at Kakamega State Lodge. Four of the universities are public and the other four are private institutions. Read more

UNICAF University Graduates 350 Students from 44 Countries

UNICAF University has today graduated 350 students from 44 countries who have been awarded with doctorate, bachelors and masters degrees. The event took place at BICC in Lilongwe and was attended by the students from the country and others from Democratic of Congo ,Kenya, Zimbabwe, Zambia among others. Read more

Universities Banned from Using Student’s Photos on Their Websites

A High Court sitting in Machakos set a precedent after delivering a landmark ruling prohibiting universities and other institutions of higher learning from using students’ photos to market their academic activities. Read more

 

31 July 2022

50 Needy Students Receive TVET Scholarship

Some 50 students in West Pokot County will receive scholarship for their TVET courses to enable them to pursue their studies this year. Read more

AgriEngage Summer School on Agri-Entrepreneurship and Community Engagement

The Summer School will offer practical skills and competencies on Agri-entrepreneurship and community engagement to 44 graduate students from Benin, Kenya, Morocco, and Uganda. Read more

A ‘Poverty of Low Expectations’ Bound to Bedevil Excellence

Institutions, including universities, have internal and external lives that are mutually constitutive. Institutional cultures reflect and reproduce prevailing and intertwined national and global contexts, challenges, and opportunities. Read more

Brexit, COVID, Ukraine War Drive Student Mobility to France

African countries have become key drivers of student mobility to France, according to datasets published by Campus France, the national agency that promotes French higher education internationally and welcomes foreign students and researchers in the country. Read more

Court Slams Brakes on State Bid to Annex 410 Acres of University Land

The government has been stopped from hiving off 410 acres belonging to Kenyatta University. Justice Oscar Angote of the Environment and Land Court issued the order following a petition by the Law Society of Kenya challenging attempts to force the university to surrender part of the land to Kenyatta University… Read more

Garissa Varsity Attack Survivors Sue State for Damages 

Survivors of the 2015 Garissa University terror attack that claimed 148 lives are seeking compensation for psychological pain and future medical expenses. The students and Kituo Cha Sheria have blamed the government, security agencies and the college for failing to take steps to stop the attack, … Read more

Kenyan Students Shine at Huawei ICT Global Competition 

The finals of the 6th annual Huawei ICT Competition that attracted 150,000 students from over 2000 universities in 85 countries & regions globally came to a close recently in Shenzhen China. Read more

Kenyatta University Council Absent as VC Wainaina Returns

The new Kenyatta University council members led by Chrispus Kiamba were a no-show to receive ousted Vice Chancellor Paul Wainaina after the employment and labour relations court reinstated him. Read more

Kenyatta University Council Refuses to Submit Varsity Title Deeds

Kenya University council members have declined an order that compelled them to hand over the institution’s title deeds.According to a statement by the council and signed by the council chair… Read more

Kenyatta University, KUTRH Lock Horns Over Land

A row has erupted between Kenyatta University (KU) and the Kenyatta University Teaching and Referral Hospital (KUTRH) over the ownership of a 1,000-acre piece of land. Read more

Kenyatta University Unveils Sh69million Herbal Laboratory

Kenyatta University has opened a Sh69 million research centre to train students, staff as well as traditional medicine men on non-conventional medicine.The facility, termed as a breakthrough in the promotion of herbal medicine in the country will be used to test the efficacy of herbs, …Read more

KU Land Tussle: VC Paul Wainaina Hints He’s Been Fired, Council Dissolved 

Kenyatta University Vice-Chancellor Paul Wainaina says he has been relieved of his duties, and the university council dissolved. This comes barely a week since President Uhuru Kenyatta came out guns blazing over an ongoing land transfer tussle between Kenyatta University and Kenyatta University Teaching, Read more

KU Students Emerge as Best Innovators in Global Competition

A team of students from the Kenyatta University were named as the best innovators in the world at the 2022 Huawei Global Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Competition in Shenzen, China. Read more

Moi University to Lay Off Staff to Cut Costs

The management of Moi University has announced that they will lay off a number of their staff as part of measures of cutting cost, following financial woes bedeviling the institution. Read more

More Varsities Could go Moi University Way

More universities could end up insolvent unless the government increases financial allocation to them, a parliamentary report shows. The new funding method, Differentiated Unit Cost, was blamed for the poor funding of the institutions. Read more

Multimedia University Opens Ultramodern Research Labs

Ministry of Education State Department for University Education and Research Principal Secretary (PS), Amb. Simon Nabukwesi has commissioned the opening of Laboratories of the National Institute for Optics and Lasers (NIOL) at the Multimedia University of Kenya. Read more

Odinga? Ruto? Presidential Candidates Promise to Change HE

Kenya’s higher education sector is staring at major reforms, following proposals made by the two top presidential candidates ahead of the country’s 9 August general elections. Read more

President Kenyatta Blasts Kenyatta University VC Over WHO Lab Construction

President Uhuru Kenyatta has blasted the Kenyatta University Administration for complaining over the World Health Organization hub that is set to be built on the institution’s land. Kenyatta University had lamented that the WHO emergency hub had been built without the university’s permission… Read more

Kenyatta University Council Absent as VC Wainaina Returns

The new Kenyatta University council members led by Chrispus Kiamba were a no-show to receive ousted Vice Chancellor Paul Wainaina after the employment and labour relations court reinstated him. Read more

President Rejects Bill Aimed at Cheaper Student Loans

Kenya university students have suffered a big blow after President Uhuru Kenyatta postponed consideration of a bill that would have made student loans cheaper and extended the repayment period. Read more

Private Varsities Raise Fees for State-Sponsored Students

Private universities have started increasing tuition fees for government-sponsored students that they host, setting them up for a clash with the Ministry of Education. Read more

Prof. Waceke Wanjohi Replaces Prof. Paul Wainaina as Kenyatta University Vice-Chancellor

Prof. Waceke Wanjohi has been picked to replace Prof. Paul Wainaina as the Vice-Chancellor of Kenyatta University.Wanjohi, who is Kenyatta University’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor in charge of Academics, will hold the top seat in an acting capacity. Read more

Two Women Jailed for Forging University Certificates

Two women found guilty of forging academic credentials were Tuesday jailed for a cumulative six years with an option of paying fines. Pauline Otieno and Lilian Ochieng were found guilty of forging certificates to get employment. Read more

Varsity Advertises Job of ‘Mara Heist’ Whistleblower

Masai Mara University is seeking to hire a Chief Internal Auditor months after the acting CIA resigned from the position. A notice from the varsity revealed that interested applicants should submit their applications to the chairman of the council by August 2. Read more

You Can Still Acquire PhD from TVET, State Urges Youth

The government has signed memorandums of understanding with several foreign countries to offer scholarships to TVET trainers to pursue graduate courses. Read more

 

30 June 2022

4^th African Conference on Operations and Supply Chain Management (ACOSCM)

The University of Nairobi in conjunction with the University of Dar es Salaam, will host the 4th African Conference on Operations and Supply Chain Management (ACOSCM) in Nairobi, on July 27th and 28th, 2022. Read more

7^th ACE Impact Regional Workshop Officially Opened…

Professor Mrs. Eléonore Yayi Ladekan, the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research of the Republic of Benin officially opened the seventh regional workshop of the Africa Higher Education Centres of Excellence Project (ACE Impact) at Palais des Congre in Cotonou Benin on the 14^th June 2022. Read more

36 African Universities Represented on U-Multirank List

A total of 36 universities in Africa were among the 2,202 universities in 96 countries globally that had their performances assessed by U-Multirank, a ranking index that routinely analyses higher education institutions in terms of teaching and learning, research, knowledge transfer, international orientation and regional engagement. Read more

200 Graduates Sent Back to Finish Classes, 3 Years After Graduation 

200 graduates from Egerton University will have to take remedial classes at the institution if they want to secure jobs with their degrees. The students who had studied Bachelor of Science, Water and Environmental Engineering and graduated in 2019… Read more

16,310 KCSE Candidates Decline University Slots, Magoha Cites Other Opportunities

Education Cabinet Secretary Prof George Magoha has revealed that 16,310 2021 KCSE students did not apply for university slots under Kenya University Colleges Central Placement Services (KUCCPS). Read more

African Centres of Excellence Want to Secure Their Longevity

The World Bank-funded Eastern and Southern Africa Higher Education Centres of Excellence (ACE II) have raised millions of dollars to guarantee their sustainability. Read more

Chinese Language, Culture Inspiring Kenyan Youth to Reach Higher

Dressed in an elegant maroon suit and shiny leather shoes, Hansnick Omondi electrified the audience at Kenya’s oldest university auditorium with an eloquent speech in Chinese that extolled the virtues of friendship and hard work. Read more

Commission For University Education Urges Sakaja to Honour Summons

The Commission for University Education (CUE) has urged Nairobi gubernatorial candidate Johnson Sakaja to honor its invitation to appear before it to provide proof that he indeed has a degree warning that nothing will curtail its efforts to fulfill its mandate. Read more

First Continental Research Integrity Network Launched

The African Research Integrity Network (ARIN), a partnership to promote ethical research practices across the continent, was officially launched on Tuesday after years of operating as an informal body of practitioners. Read more

First Lady Margaret Kenyatta applauds African Universities for Prioritizing Sports

First Lady Margaret Kenyatta has applauded African universities for mainstreaming sports into their core activities saying, sporting engagements help in fostering societal unity and building human character and resilience. Read more

Flagship TVET Project: A Few Sparks Can Light a Prairie Fire

Countries in East Africa, led by Ethiopia, Kenya, and Tanzania, have taken a big step towards regional cooperation in technical and vocational education and training (TVET). Read more

From Land Grabs to COVID: Managing Crises in Tough Times

The uniqueness and similarities between universities become evident in times of crisis when institutional contexts, capacities and culture determine how they are handled. Read more

Govt Lists Universities Approved to Offer Law Courses

The Council of Legal Education has published a list of all Universities approved to offer Law Courses in Kenya, including those whose approvals were still pending.In a notice carried in the local dailies on Tuesday, June 28, the council revealed that only two institutions were approved to provide Masters in Law programme. Read more

HE Loans Board Seeks to Take ‘Hardcore’ Defaulters to Court

It is a mixture of anxiety and reprieve for loan beneficiaries as the Higher Education Loans Board in Kenya, or HELB, seeks to take some defaulters to court while offering some leeway to others. Read more

He who Opens a School Door Closes a Prison…

Speaking during the event, the University of Nairobi Chancellor, Dr. Vijoo Rattansi said the establishment of the Foundation will play an inspirational role in unlocking a resource avalanche that will amply resource the university to fulfill its mandate for global impact now and into the future. Read more

Honoris United Universities Seeks Western Standard of Education in New African Markets

Africa’s largest private higher education network Honoris United Universities plans to expand in Egypt, Kenya and Côte d’Ivoire, Chief Growth and Strategy Officer Laura Kakon tells The Africa Report. Read more

Hosts KU Crush to Defeat Against Makerere at FASU Games

Hosts Kenyatta University crushed to a 2-0 defeat against Makerere University at the ongoing 10^th Federation of African University Sports games. Read more

Kilonzo Bags Javelin Gold in Varsity Games

Boniface Kilonzo of Mt. Kenya University bagged a gold medal in the javelin in the ongoing 10th All Africa University Games at Kenyatta University Thursday.The reigning regional champion threw 62.99m and was closely followed by Justus Kipkenda of Kisii University who covered 52.36m to clinch silver. Read more

Ksh 2million for Tertiary Institutions Programme in Kajiado 

Over 2000 students in Kajiado North constituency have benefited from the national government constituency development fund (NG-CDF) bursaries for tertiary institutions. Read more

Lack of Data Compromises Research on Climate Change

Researchers across low- and middle-income countries are set to contribute towards the creation, expansion and maintenance of inclusive climate datasets in a project spearheaded by the Lacuna Fund. Read more

Launch of an Educational Programme for Freedom of Expression in Eastern Africa

Cartooning for Peace and Buni Media in Kenya launched a programme for civic education using press cartoons in partnership with UNESCO, the French Embassy in Kenya, the EU National Institutes of Culture (EUNIC) Kenya Network, the European Union in Kenya and select universities… Read more

Lobby Now Drives Johnson Sakaja Degree Drama to Museveni State House

A Kenyan advocacy group has written to Uganda’s Minister of Education Janet Museveni seeking clarification on the validity of Nairobi Senator Johnson Sakaja’s university degree. Read more

Microsoft Team Visits UB to Foster Education Transforming Partnership

A delegation from Microsoft, Kenya on June 16, 2022 paid a visit to the University of Botswana to explore for possibilities of securing a three-year collaboration through an Education Transformation Agreement (ETA). Read more

Moi Family Varsity Seeks Nod for Sh35bn Private Hospital

The Moi family-linked Kabarak University is seeking regulatory approval for its proposed Sh35 billion hospital in Nakuru County. According to regulatory filings received by the National Environmental Management Authority (Nema), the mega-hospital will offer premium services and also host a top cancer treatment centre …Read more

Peter Ayiro, Geoffrey Muluvi among those shortlisted for CUE CEO’s job

Two vice chancellors are among key figures shortlisted for the Commission for University Education Chief Executive Officer (CEO) job. Daystar University VC Prof Laban Peter Ayiro and Prof Geoffrey Muluvi of South Eastern Kenya University are among the 15 candidates shortlisted for CUE job. Read more

Plot Thickens in Row Over Kenyan Senator’s Degree

The management of Team University has come under pressure from the All Africa Conference of Churches (AACC) for presenting Mr Johnson Sakaja-the outgoing Senator of Nairobi-with a Bachelor of Science degree. Read more

Police, Military Central in State Assaults on Students

Of 28 profiled countries in Education Under Attack 2022, half are in Africa. The highest number of incidents on the continent were recorded in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Mali. The study reports more than 5,000 attacks on education facilities, students and educators, or military incidents, globally in the past two years. Read more

Post-Study Work Opportunities Drive Student Mobility

The long-time attraction of international students from Sub-Saharan Africa to quality universities in European Union member states and their counterparts in the United States and Canada includes an appetite for getting jobs in host countries, according to ICEF Monitor, a market intelligence firm for international student recruitment. Read more

Researchers Receive Grants of Pp to €500,000 Each

The €25 million (US$26 million) African Research Initiative for Scientific Excellence (ARISE) programme, drawing about 1,000 applications for 40 grants, was launched on 15 June, with an appeal to grantees to conduct world-class research that will help to, not only solve the continent’s development challenges, but also have an impact on the world. Read more

Sakaja’s University Degree Stalks New Controversy Over Missing Name on Graduation List

Questions surrounding the authenticity of academic papers presented by Nairobi Senator Johnson Sakaja to the Independent Electoral Boundaries Commission (IEBC) have taken a fresh twist after it emerged that his name was not on the booklet from an institution for the graduation ceremony… Read more

Sasra Issues Tight Rules for Varsity Staff Lending

The savings and credit cooperative societies (saccos) regulator has urged societies sponsored by public universities to only lend members with salary accounts to tame rising non-performing loans, which are edging towards Sh3 billion. Read more

Sombre Mood at University Games as Student Passes on During Playoff Match…

The tenth edition of the All Africa University Games hosted at Kenyatta University in Nairobi was marked with grief and sorrow on the final day, (Friday) following the untimely demise of American University in Cairo student. Read more

Spain Plans to Recruit More Students from Sub-Saharan Africa

Spain has embarked on an ambitious plan to attract international students and highly skilled workers from Africa as part of its new strategy, Focus Africa 2023, which aims to establish stronger academic, economic and diplomatic ties with African countries, especially those in Sub-Saharan Africa. Read more

TECNO Expands Partnership with UNHCR to Support Higher Education in Africa for Refugees

Premium smartphone brand TECNO (www.TECNO-Mobile.com) announced today the renewal of its partnership with UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, to support its Refugee Scholarships Programme DAFI (Albert Einstein German Academic Refugee Initiative). Read more

Transformation of Higher Education Through Internal Engagement and External Partnership

The University of Eldoret (UoE) was established upon the award of Charter by the President on 11th February, 2013, as the Chepkoilel University College. The institution was founded in 1946 by the white settlers initially as a Large-Scale Farmers Training Centre. Read more

Transforming the Lives of Smallholder Pig Farmers Through Capacity Building…

The inspiration to make this dream a reality struck me during the TAGDev orientation training for the first cohort in July, 2017 at ARC Hotel, Egerton University, Kenya. The speaker challenged all the new students to turn their talents into entrepreneurial opportunities and expand on them. Read more

TVET Student Enrolment Shoots Up in Trans Nzoia

Trans Nzoia county government has realized encouraging student enrollment in Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) centres following sustained awareness campaigns. Read more

Ugandan Epidemiologist Appointed to UN University Council

Dr Catherine Kyobutungi is a Ugandan epidemiologist who mainly works in healthcare systems research and capacity-building. She began her career journey as a medical officer in rural Uganda before becoming a lecturer at Mbarara University of Science and Technology. Read more

University of Embu Scoops Best Performing State Varsity Award 

The University of Embu has scooped the best performing public university status for two years in a row. It is also scored 1.9290 enough to be named the overall runners-up after the National Irrigation Board… Read more

University Students Celebrate Return of Drama Festivals After COVID Disruption 

Sunday marked the 2nd and the final day of the first university drama festivals since the global disruption by Covid-19. The festival that brought together seven universities from the Central and Eastern regions of Kenya was organized and held at Kenyatta University’s Kitui Campus. Read more

Varsities Told to Align with Demands of CBC

Universities have been challenged to align their programmes with the requirements of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC). University education and research Principal Secretary Simon Nabukwesi asked institutions of higher learning to align their curriculum with the demands of CBC. Read more

What Does 100-Year-old Makerere Reveal About Culture?

Uganda’s Makerere University, which marks its centenary this year, is well known as the oldest university in East Africa and as a cradle of political elites. Read more

Why it’s Time for Kenyan Universities to Adopt the Problem Based Learning Approach?

As Kenya has started implementing the Competency Based Learning (CBC) unveiled in 2017 to replace the older 8-4-4 education system, it’s time for the institutions of higher learning such as universities to warm up for entrance of the first lot in 2029. Read more

 

31 March 2022

2021 KCSE Candidates With C+ And Above to Join Universities Under Govt Sponsorship 

All the 2021 Kenya Certificate Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations candidates who scored C+ and above are set to join universities on government sponsorships. Read more

‘Burnout is a Real Phenomenon for African Professors’

Governments and universities in Africa must do more and join forces to create conducive academic and professional environments with conditions of service that will enable university professors to do their work and enhance their contributions to knowledge production. Read more

Cash-Strapped Kenyatta University to Send Home Hundreds of Employees

Kenyatta University is set to send home hundreds of workers including lectures and non-teaching staff due to lack of funds. The public institution is looking to restructure as its financial woes deepen. Read more

Centres to Help Raise Generation of Digitally Savvy Leaders

The digital revolution has transformed labour skills market demands, compounding Africa’s pre-existing skills mismatch. Given the changing dynamics, acquiring skills in information and communications technology (ICT) has become critical for graduates. Read more

Commonwealth Education Ministers Vow to Increase Investment in Education

Education ministers at the 21st Conference of Commonwealth Education Ministers (CCEM) in Nairobi, Kenya, have issued a joint statement in which they recognised the urgent need to increase investment in education and skills at all ages, with particular focus on ensuring foundational skills for all. Read more

Dons Oppose Proposal to Give Magoha Power Over Varsity Councils

Several education stakeholders have opposed a proposal that sought to give Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha mandate to revoke decisions made by varsity councils. Read more

Egypt Leads Research Field for the Second Year Running

For the second year running, researchers and academics in Egypt have published more peer-reviewed journal articles than their peers in other countries in Africa, according to 2021’s datasets from SCImago Journal & Country Rank, an online platform with some of the world’s most comprehensive citation and abstract databases of global journal research output. Read more

First Lady to Grace African Universities Games at Kenyatta University 

Kenya’s First Lady HE Margaret Kenyatta will officiate the opening ceremony of the 10th Federation of African Universities Games (FASU) next month on June 10th. Read more

Gov’t Certifying Skills Acquired Through Experiential Learning 

Kenya is developing a Policy, complete with quality assurance and standards to inform the certification and qualifications of Kenyans who have attained skills through experiential learning. Read more

Gov’t Encourages Learners to Pursue Dream Courses

Principal Secretary, State Department for University Education and Research, Ambassador Simon Nabukwesi has encouraged Form-four leavers joining university to pursue courses aligned to what they love doing. Read more

How Changing Livestock Markets Could Reduce Conflict

Over nine million Kenyans are pastoralists out of a total population of 50 million. Together they hold livestock worth over US$1 billion. Livestock is their source of food, health, and wealth. Read more

How to Set Up an Institutional Repository for Data-Sharing

Only 24 African countries, out of 54, have institutional repositories, according to the Directory of Open Access Repositories.Recent studies and academic contributions on institutional repositories in Africa show that, of the few repositories currently on the continent, many are not up to standard. Read more

Inter-University Partnership in Extracting Biofuels from Crotone Tree

Egerton University and University of Greenwich- UK have, teamed-up with a local enterprise to strengthen capacity for extraction of biofuels and various value-added products, from Croton megalocarpus nuts. Read more

I Run a Beeswax Business in My Home Town

My name is Victor Gordon Akejo and I am a TAGDEV student from Uganda. I study at Egerton University, Kenya. One of the main entrepreneurial projects I’m involved in back home is selling beeswax. Read more

Kenyans Urged to Apply for Scholarships as Peace Conference Ends 

German institutions have urged Kenyans seeking scholarships to study locally or abroad to reach out saying they are offering hundreds of scholarships to university students. Read more

KUCCPS Concerned Over Low Uptake of Eligible Students to Universities 

The Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) has decried low universities and college placement uptake by eligible candidates from the Northern region. Read more

MKU to Host International Peace Conference from 18th to 20th May 

All is set for the Second International Conference on Peace, Security and Social Enterprise, to be held at Mount Kenya University from 18th to 20th May.The three-day forum brings together stakeholders from the education sector, government departments as well as the private sector. Read more

Migori Teachers College to Offer Diploma Certificates

Migori Teachers Training College is set to be among the first six teachers’ colleges across the country to train diploma courses in primary teacher education… Read more

Mount Kenya University Opens Doors for All to Acquire English Language Skills 

The English laboratory at Mount Kenya University Rwanda (MKUR) is open to members of the public.This has been revealed by the university’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor designate in charge of academic research affairs, Dr. Catherine Wanjiku. Read more

Open University of Mauritius and the Nelson Mandela University of South Africa Collaborate on FishFORCE Project

A High-Level stakeholders’ meeting for the establishment of a Fisheries Law Enforcement Academy, was held, this morning at Le Meridien in Pointe aux Piments. The initiative is a joint collaboration of the Open University of Mauritius and the Nelson Mandela University (NMU) of South Africa. Read more

Private Network Impacts SDGs, Including Poverty Alleviation

A network of 15 private institutions spread across 10 countries in four regions in North, West, Central and Southern Africa, aims to train an additional 100,000 students over five years – up from its current 61,000. Read more

Public University Enrolment Dips as TVET Numbers Grow 

Enrolment at public universities dipped for the first time in three years in a period that saw the intake at technical colleges offering diploma and certificate courses increase 22 percent. Read more

Pursuing Academic Excellence in a University in Africa

Every university claims excellence as its mantra and mission. I have never encountered an institution that proclaims its commitment to mediocrity. So, what does academic excellence entail? Read more

Standard Chartered Rolls Out Initiative on Employability Among Students 

KISUMU, Kenya May 6-Standard Chartered Bank has enrolled over 4,000 university students across the country into a program to deliver them into the ready workforce. Read more

Students to Select Universities After Magoha Orders KUCCPS to Open Portal 

Students who sat for their Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations in 2021 but missed admission in higher education institutions have been urged to apply for placement. Read more

The Well-Being of African Cities is Tied to Universities

African cities have been urged to collaborate more closely with universities and other tertiary research institutions within their jurisdiction, not only because they contribute to human resource needs but because higher education institutions are increasingly becoming key drivers for local economic development. Read more

UNESCO Calls Upon Stakeholders to Expand Programme Developing Roadmaps to Harness Science to the Sustainable Development Goals

The head of UNESCO’s Science, Technology and Innovation Policy Section, Ezra Clark, has encouraged all stakeholders to join the “Partnership in Action” initiative to expand the STI for the SDGs Roadmap Programme. Read more

University Funding Cut by 20%, Focus Now Shifts to TVET

Kenya has effected a further cut in funding to public universities for the financial year beginning July 2022 as enrolment numbers continue to dip. Read more

UWC Provides Continental Support for Covid-19 Surveillance 

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), through its Pathogen Genomics Initiative (Africa PGI), has supported African countries during the past two years in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more

 

30 April 2022

8 Govt Agencies Shamed for Not Paying Interns 

Eight government agencies have been included in the list of shame by the Public Service Commission (PSC) over their failure to pay interns posted to them through the Public Service Internship Programme (PSIP). Read more

Academic Union Endorses Kenyan Presidential Candidate

An academic union has endorsed Raila Odinga to become the country’s fifth president in the upcoming general elections to be held on 9 August. Read more

Academics Want to Build Capacity for One Health Strategy

African countries have been urged to adopt the One Health framework, a collaborative public health approach, amid concerns of pandemic outbreaks and for the emerging and re-emerging of highly infectious diseases such as COVID-19 and Ebola that adversely affect human health. Read more

‘African Universities Should Differentiate Their Missions Clearly’

The notion that there is a single ideal university must be resisted in favour of one that values a plurality of institutional types and promotes intentional differentiation in national higher education systems… Read more

Authority Wants Colleges to Review Curriculum After Four Years

The qualifications authority wants institutions of higher learning to review their curriculum after every four years. This, they say will allow universities to produce graduates whose skills match the market demands. Read more

Beyond Connectivity: Making African Scholarship Visible

In February, Malawi-based UbuntuNet Alliance, an Eastern and Southern African research and educational networking organisation, appointed Kenyan national, Professor Madara Ogot, as its new chief executive. Read more

China In Deal to Boost TVET Training in Kenya 

China’s non-profit organization, China Education Association for International Exchange (CEAIE) has entered into a deal with the Association of Technical Universities and Polytechnics in Africa (ATUPA) to improve the professional and technical ability of administrators and trainers in African technical training institutions. Read more

Creative Funding Solutions Needed as HE Expands Globally

Universities in the Global South need to be more creative in making up shortfalls in the financing of higher education as funding per student decreases as enrolments are increasing, a webinar held to launch a new report, World Higher Education: Institutions, students and funding, was told by the vice-chancellor of a leading African university. Read more

Gov’t Assures Universities of Support In Quality Training

The Ministry of Education, has assured public universities across the country of continued support that would ensure requisite training quality is attained for the benefit of the country’s economy. Read more

Cuban Ambassador to Uganda at MUST

Geared towards augmenting the partnership between the Republic of Cuba and the Republic of Uganda/MUST, the new Ambassador of Cuba to Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya H.E Dr. Tania Perez Xiques visited MUST… Read more

How the WorldSkills Competition Prepares Youth for World of Work

Over 100 young people battled it out in 16 skills areas during the WorldSkills Africa Swakopmund (2022). The competition was meant to showcase the youths’ competencies based on industry occupational standards. Read more

Kenya Ready to Host Africa University Games in June

Kenya is ready to host the 2022 Africa Universities Games planned for June 6-10 at Kenyatta University. Kenya Universities Sports Federation (KUSF) secretary-general Joseph Sandagi said hosting the African games was a big step towards supporting talents and marketing the country’s sporting prowess to international teams. Read more

Nakuru To Equip TVETS With Modern Facilities 

Nakuru County Government is working out a partnership with several private companies aimed at equipping students in Youth Polytechnics and Technical Vocational Education Training Institutes (TVETs) with hands-on skills in an industry setting during their time of study. Read more

Students Participate in Fiercely Contested Elections

With three months to go before Kenya’s general elections on 9 August, the country’s politics are heating up with candidates choosing their affiliation or defecting from one party to another. Read more

Subject Rankings: More Departments in Africa on Top-100 List

African higher education institutions are steadily scaling the academic ladder as 23 university departments in three countries were among the world’s 100 best places to study subjects they offer, according to the 12th edition of the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2022. Read more

Universities Empowering Young Women to End Hunger

All Marion Namukose ever wanted to do was to plant her fruit farm, process her oranges, brand them and sell them. But the entrepreneur had found attaining her goal rather ‘easier said than done’…Read more

University Leaders Succumb to the Lure of Politics

For the past nine years until February, 2022, Professor Erastus Njoka was the vice-chancellor of Chuka University in Kenya’s Mount Kenya region, an institution that he has helped to build from scratch. Read more

University Takes Lead with Plan to be Carbon Neutral by 2030

The Aga Khan University (AKU) in Kenya has joined the fight against global warming with an initiative expected to make it the first institution of higher learning in East Africa to go carbon neutral by 2030. Read more

 

31 March 2021

63 Students Benefit from the East African Community Scholarship…

The Inter- University Council for East Africa (IUCEA) is pleased to announce that sixty-three (63) scholarships have been awarded to applicants from all the six (6) East African Community Partner States (Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania & Uganda). Read more

300 TVETs Tutors to be Trained on Software Development

At least 300 Technical and Vocational Educational Institutions tutors are set to receive training in software development.The partnership between the Ministry of Education and Google will see the development of an Android Developer Skills master plan for use in TVETs. Read more

After a Golden Age of Higher Education Growth, What Next?

The phenomenal growth of universities in the Global South began to shudder to a halt in 2013, new research into world higher education has revealed. Declining spending in China and a collapse in oil prices were primary reasons. Higher education’s halcyon days were over. Read more

Auditor-General Raises Red Flag Over Universities Fund

Kenya’s Ministry of Education is in the spotlight following a revelation by the auditor-general that the ministry appears to be frustrating the Universities Fund, legally tasked with the disbursement of funds to institutions of higher learning in the country. Read more

Boost for Raila as University Dons Support his Presidential Bid 

The giant Universities Academic Staff Union has declared support for Azimio la Umoja leader Raila Odinga in the August elections. The Union brings together dons and university staff from all the 31 public universities in the country. Read more

Continent-Relevant Solutions Needed to Improve Use of AI

Artificial intelligence (AI) has been identified globally as one of the biggest phenomena of the 21st century and a powerful tool in combating some of the debilitating effects of climate variability and change. Read more

Council Of Legal Education Lists Egerton as First Bar Examination Centre Outside Nairobi 

The Council of Legal Education (CLE) has included Egerton University in a list of institutions of higher learning that will in future administer bar examinations. Read more

Graduates Demand Ksh2.2M From University Over Unemployable Course 

Three graduates from Egerton University are now demanding Ksh2.2 million from the institution after failing to secure employment, three years after graduating. Read more

Higher Education Loans Board Hit by Repayment Defaults

Kenya’s Higher Education Loans Board (HELB), the agency that disburses loans to university students on behalf of the government, is facing a new financial crisis following a sharp rise in defaults due to layoffs and a freeze in hiring. Read more

Humanitarian Studies Programmes in Short Supply in Africa

African universities are lagging behind in their offerings of a general masters in humanitarian studies qualification, which impedes the development of a professionalised workforce to deal with events on the continent requiring humanitarian interventions. Read more

Kibabii University Joins World in Celebrating Women’s Day

Kibabii University on Tuesday joined other Kenyans and the world in celebrating International Women’s Day.The event was graced by the institution’s Vice-Chancellor Prof. Read more

Lamu TVETS Bemoan Low Admissions Despite Scrapping Fees 

The number of youths joining technical and vocational education institutions in Lamu is extremely low despite the courses being free.Lamu deputy governor Abdulhakim Aboud said the number of youths joining TVETs still does meet the expectations. Read more

LREB, Varsities Agree to Establish Health Training Centre 

Stakeholders from the Lake Region Economic Bloc (LREB) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the UK Export Finance (UKEF) to establish a Centre of Excellence in Health Education and Training to serve East Africa. Read more

Mak-CAES, UNBS Launch Edible Insect Products & Standards

Edible insects have the potential to fill the nutrition and income gaps in Uganda and Kenya. They are rich in protein and cheaper to manage. However, edible insect value chains are under-developed yet the demand is high. Read more

Mamdani Talks About his Research Legacy and Work at Makerere

Professor Mahmood Mamdani was the executive director of the Makerere Institute of Social Research at Makerere University, Uganda, from 2010 to the end of February 2022. During this time, he has revamped the institution’s mission and established a robust PhD programme. Read more

Mental Health Issues Can Paralyse Students’ Education

Amisa Rashid, a masters student in public policy and management at Strathmore University in Kenya, is a top-10 finalist for the US$100,000 Chegg.org Global Student Prize that was launched in 2021. It supplements the Varkey Foundation’s US$1 million Global Teacher Prize and is aimed at recognising extraordinary students worldwide. Read more

Nanosatellite to Help Monitor Security on Lake Victoria

Space technology seems to be the ‘in thing’ at Kenyan universities, with the Technical University of Kenya (TUK) finally taking its place among its peers in the new space age. Read more

Performance-Based Funding: What Options for Universities?

A recent media report reproduced by University World News in its World Round-up section noted that the government of Kenya is contemplating the adoption of a model of performance-based funding for its institutions of higher learning. Read more

Preprint Servers Gain Prominence Despite Peer Review Concerns

While they have been around for the past five decades, preprint servers, repositories that allow access to original manuscripts to the public before they have undergone peer review, have gained more prominence over the past two years, owing to the sheer volume of research on COVID-19 that needed to be communicated. Read more

President Kenyatta   Welcomes Proposed Initiative to Establish a Centre of Excellence…

President Uhuru Kenyatta has welcomed a proposed initiative to establish a centre of excellence in health education and training at Kisii University.The President said the establishment of a centre of excellence in health education will boost the country’s ongoing efforts to deliver quality and affordable healthcare services… Read more

Research Initiative to Tackle Food Security, Global Warming

In an effort to bolster cooperation between European and African countries as they face joint challenges in agriculture, food and the environment in a context of climate change, two French science bodies, in cooperation with 20 African universities and institutes along with three sub-regional organisations, have launched a research initiative… Read more

School of Information Science Launches a Collaborative Public Health Data Science Project

School of Information Science of Addis Ababa University (AAU) in collaboration with Columbia University in the USA and University of Nairobi organized a public health Data Science research project workshop… Read more

Science Councils Will Benefit from More ‘Science on Science’

Africa needs to establish and enhance its networks for researchers in innovation studies to investigate the process of research, science, technology and innovation, with the aim of establishing how it is driven and what obstacles exist for those working in these disciplines. Read more

Space Science Capabilities Depend on Quality Education

In December 2019, Ethiopia became the 11th African country to have launched a 72kg remote sensing microsatellite (ETRSS-1) into space, joining the ranks of Algeria, Angola, Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa and Sudan. In East Africa, Ethiopia was third after Kenya and Rwanda. Read more

State Promotes Relevant Programmes in TVETs 

The government is introducing relevant programs in Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) institutions in Western Kenya to align with the current industry needs. Read more

TVET Graduates Challenged to Be Job-Creators

Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Graduates have been challenged to use their skills in creating job opportunities instead of becoming job seekers after completing studies. Read more

UNESCO Champions Better TVET for Kenya’s Rise

Under the BEAR II project, UNESCO has been supporting the efforts of Member States to enhance the quality and relevance of their technical and vocational education and training (TVET) and to equip all youth and adults with the skills required for employment, decent work, entrepreneurship and lifelong learning. Read more

University Courses KCSE Candidates Have Rejected in Last 3 Years 

Placement of Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education candidates to universities and other institutions of higher learning has posed a major challenge to the Ministry of Education in recent years. Read more

University Deregisters Thousands of Inactive Students

Kenya’s University of Nairobi has deregistered more than 30,000 inactive students who had overstayed for more than double the period normally required to complete a degree programme. This has effectively reduced the number of enrolled students from a high of 80,000 to 50,000. Read more

‘Universities Must Grasp the Opportunity to Change’

If African universities are to meet their mandate to support development on the continent, they must change with the times and restructure, said Reitumetse Obakeng Mabokela, the vice provost for international affairs and global strategies at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in the United States. Read more

Varsity to Host Conference on Climate Change Action

Researchers, academics, students and other sector experts are expected to share at the 14th International Biennial Conference how new technological innovations can be used to tackle climate change. Read more

Vice-Chancellors Tasked to Lobby for Better Internet Access

Vice-chancellors have a vital advocacy role to play in promoting national research and education networks (NRENs), to advance the digital transformation strategies of African universities. Read more

Youths from Africa and the Arab World Commit to Advancing Cooperation in agriculture…

The Afro-Arab Youth Council (AAYC) in partnership with the Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM) organized a youth dialogue under the theme, “Enhancing food security through innovations and planetary health: the role of youth.” Read more

 

28 February 2022

Academic Publishing Needs Creative Solutions to Grow

COVID-19 has dampened academic research productivity even though virtual conferences and webinars have become an antidote for visa denials and a shortage of travel funding. Where academic publishing is concerned, there may be solutions to promote development in African countries as well as increase international support. Read more

ACCA Fetes Winners of Inter-University Strategic Business Leadership Challenge

The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) has awarded the ultimate winners of the highly competitive ACCA Strategic Business Leadership Inter-University Challenge-Kenya that was aimed at equipping students in the accountancy space with relevant key competencies in readiness for the job market. Read more

Aspiring MPs Must Have Degrees – IEBC

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission has said that candidates vying for MP must have degrees.In a letter responding to UDA Secretary general Veronica Maina, IEBC chief executive Marjan Hussein said the law requiring MPs to have degrees is still in force. Read more

Boon for Varsities as Three Sides Promoted to the Premier League 

Kenya University Sports Association (KUSA) received a major boost as three of their teams gained promotion to the 2022 Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) Premier League. Read more

Court Tussle Over Fee Increase as Varsities Fear Losing Billions 

Public universities will not get money from the government to run undergraduate programmes if court orders last year freezing fees increase is not lifted. Universities Fund has now raised the red flag, saying the High Court order will cripple universities. Read more

Gov’t Encourages Lifelong Learning in Kenya 

Education is the key driver to economic development and sustainable livelihoods and thus the concept of Lifelong Learning (LLL) which aims at providing continuous learning. Read more

EA Countries Meet to Discuss TVETs Projects

At least 16 Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutes in Kenya, Tanzania and Ethiopia are meeting in Mombasa to discuss ongoing implementation of a Sh35 billion World Bank funded East Africa Skills for Transformation and Regional Integration Project (EASTRIP). Read more

Egerton University Dons Refuse to Resume Teaching 

Egerton University dons have vowed not to resume teaching until their grievances are addressed and a watertight work formula signed.This comes days after the students from the university resumed at the Njoro based campus after three months’ closure. Read more

End Students’ Suffering 

More than 75,000 freshers who joined universities in September 2021 are yet to get loans from Helb.The Higher Education Loans Board (Helb) claims it is unable to make cash available to students since Treasury has not released the funds. Read more

Improving TVET Through Online Information Sharing 

The ongoing digital transformation has led to massive changes in the skillsets needed for work and life. Alongside this, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) is increasingly preparing workers to meet the challenges presented by the transition from the industrial age to the information age… Read more

Joy as University Offers Mother Sh3.5m Scholarship, New Home 

A 33-year-old woman who posted a grade ‘A-‘ (minus) in the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examination 14 years ago but failed to join university has reason to smile after her dream to pursue further education finally became a reality. Read more

Kenyan Youth Leverage Huawei’s Support to Spur Digital Transformation 

While studying at a rural high school in western Kenyan county of Homa Bay several years ago, Terrence Omondi’s resolve to plunge into technology-related fields hit the climax thanks to nudging by tutors and close family members. Read more

Kenya Picks Six Teams for Continetal Huawei Tech Competition 

Six Kenyan university students will represent the country at the next level of the annual Huawei ICT competition after winning national titles.Terence Omondi from the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology and Rush Morgan from the United States International University… Read more

KUCCPS Offer Targets 95,757 Kenyans Who Sat KCSE Between 2000-2021 

The Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) has asked 95,757 Kenyans who sat KCSE between 2000 and 2021 and qualified for placement, but haven’t enrolled, to apply for courses. Read more

Leadership Lessons Learned After 90 Days of Listening

Assuming a new job constitutes an intriguing moment of excitement and anticipation, fresh beginnings and discovery, as well as anxiety and trepidation of the unknown. Read more

Moi Varsity Technically Insolvent

Auditor General Nancy Gathungu has queried the use of more than Sh 1.5 billion by Moi University on the Digital Learning Project, supplying laptops to school children. Read more

Policy Makers Need to be Sensitized on the Value of University Education

African governments need to be sensitized and advised on the critical role played by Universities in development. This were the sentiments expressed by the University of Nairobi’s Vice-chancellor, Prof. Stephen Kiama when he met the Secretary General, Association of African Universities (AAU), Prof. Olusola B. Oyewole. Read more

Private and Public Universities Should Collaborate in Africa

Private universities became popular and increased exponentially in Africa around the 1990s. Read more

Reforms have Decreased Ethnic Barriers, but the Poor Suffer

Academic reform at the University of Nairobi (UoN) that allows for the admission of self-financing students with lower secondary education exit grades has broken ethnic and gender diversity barriers, according to Dr Rebecca Simson, a postdoctoral research fellow at the London School of Economics and Political Science. Read more

Science Output Rising, but Some Countries’ Yields Still Low

Despite numerous challenges, Africa has made notable progress in the production of scientific knowledge in the past two decades, with a total share of 7.6% of contributions to the world of science and one-third of all international publications in tropical medicine. Read more

Seeking Ways to Improve Kenya’s PhD Completion Rate

Doctoral completion rates in Kenyan universities are too low, leading to concerns that the country will not meet its target of having a large pool of highly qualified professionals in academia, research and other specialised sectors of the economy in accordance with the aims of Kenya Vision 2030, the country’s development plan. Read more

Space Technology to Measure, Monitor Climate Change Impact

Five African countries are working with Egypt to launch a pan-African satellite project dubbed the African Development Satellite Initiative (AfDev-Sat) to study the impact of climate change across Africa and what space technology can offer in this area. Read more

Setback for CBC as Learners Face Challenges in Joining Universities 

Learners under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) education system have suffered yet another major setback after public universities revealed that they are not ready to enroll them. Read more

South Sudan, Kenya Universities Pledges to Promote Academic, Research Cooperation

Zetech University of Kenya and Upper Nile University of South Sudan on Friday pledged to promote academic and research cooperate between the two sisterly countries. Read more

Stakeholders Urge Government to Intervene and Save Collapsing Kenyan Universities 

Several public universities are still facing huge financial deficits, threatening their continued existence. Read more

State Must Bail Out Universities Before It’s Too Late 

It is sad that Egerton University is in the red. It is sadder that Egerton is not alone in this predicament. Things are tough for nearly every public university, all of which are grappling with a financial crisis that threatens to disrupt higher learning in Kenya. Read more

Swahili Language to be Offered at Addis Ababa University

Addis Ababa University is set to offer teaching Swahili languages. EBC, the state media, on Wednesday cited the University President, Tasew Woldehana, president, as saying that the preparation has been finalised. Read more

Techincal University of Kenya Students Furious with Administration Over Graduation Date 

There is outrage at the Technical University of Kenya as the graduation ceremony slated for this month may not take place. The institution postponed the graduation from December last year to this month without stating the date. Read more

Universities Act to Address Mental Health Challenges Among Students

The University of Nairobi (UoN) has resolved to start hiring its needy students for contractual jobs, as a way of reducing depression brought about by financial challenges at the Institution. Read more

The Hope Africa University, a Pioneer in New Practices in Higher Education, …

On that occasion, Dr. Barantota said that UEA opened its doors on February 6^th 2000 in Kenya, with the ultimate educational goal of providing Christian higher education that leads students to the integration of faith and learning development of human dynamics. Read more

University Systems in 45 Countries have Barely Been Studied

Higher education in Africa has become a frequently researched topic from 2000 onwards, but the systems in 45 out of 54 countries on the continent have barely been studied and 20 countries lack internal higher education expertise. This is a matter of concern, states a new study. Read more

UoN Receives Ksh3.8 Billion Loan From French Firm 

The University of Nairobi (UoN) has secured a loan worth Ksh3.8 billion from a french firm to help in the expansion of their infrastructure.This comes after the government approved the loan from the Agence Francaise De Development. Read more

World Bank Support Sees Enrolment Soar at TVET Institutions

Technical and vocational education and training (TVET) institutions in East Africa supported by the World Bank-funded East African Skills for Transformation and Regional Integration Project (EASTRIP) have recorded a fourfold increase in student enrolment over the past two-and-a-half years. Read more

 

31 January 2022

African Scholars Concerned Over Biases in Review Processes

Ongoing concerns over geographical biases in the evaluation of scientific research that could be disadvantaging Africa scholars remain and suggest the need for ongoing and targeted efforts to address inequalities in knowledge production and publication. Read more

‘Bugs on a Plane’ … Not Everyone’s Favourite Movie

When 27-year-old Peter Mubiru was filmed selling fried grasshoppers known as nsenene to fellow passengers on a Uganda Airlines flight, little did he suspect the video would go viral on social media, attract international media attention and get him into deep trouble. Read more

Construction of Kenya Tech University at Konza City Begins 

Construction of the Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) has begun at the Konza Technopolis.The university will be established under Koran Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)… Read more

Craving for a Cricket? Research on Edible Insects Can Help

The consumption of insects either as human food or as feed for domestic animals has been practised in more than 45 African countries for generations. About 552 insect species are consumed in Africa, comprising moth caterpillars, grasshoppers, locusts, beetles, plant bugs and termites. Read more

Degree Programmes Needed to Boost African Film Industry

African universities lag far behind when it comes to training professionals for the blossoming African film industry that could create more than 20 million jobs and generate US$20 billion in annual revenue, according to UNESCO. Read more

Excessive Drinking by University Students on the Rise

It may be hard to know exactly how many students in universities in Sub-Saharan Africa are engaged in the excessive drinking of alcohol, but academic researchers are almost all in agreement that heavy consumption of alcohol among university students in the region is rising rapidly. Read more

Egerton University in Drive to Boost Cassava Value Chain 

Egerton University is seeking to boost value addition for cassava, which is largely consumed as subsistence food in Eastern Africa’s rural households.The programme funded by Community Action Research Project (CARP+), Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM) and… Read more

Elgon Kenya, University of Nairobi Sign MoU to Develop Agritech and Innovation Centre 

Elgon Kenya and the University of Nairobi have signed a Memorandum of Understanding paving way for the construction of the Agricultural Technology and Innovation Centre (ATIC) at the College of Agriculture and Veterinary Services, … Read more

Financing and Making University Education Better in Africa

Perhaps to demonstrate the importance of education to human endeavours, academics, founders, donors and all those concerned with higher education in Nigeria and other parts of Africa were assembled for two days from January 6- 7, 2021, Read more

First Year Varsity Students to Get Laptops

The government is planning to hand every student joining university a laptop, University Education PS Simon Nabukwesi has said.The PS spoke on Wednesday at Sipala Secondary School in Webuye when donating laptops to the school. Read more

Gov’t Enhancing Infrastructural Development Projects in Universities 

The government through the Ministry for Higher Education has continued to enhance and invest in infrastructural developments in public universities across the country. Read more

HE, Industry and Students Win Through Sandwich Programmes

Higher education sandwich courses present a win-win situation for graduates, industry and universities, an online dialogue hosted by the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE), headquartered in East Africa, heard. Read more

How Place of Birth Shapes Chances of Going to University…

Many newly independent African countries in the 1960s inherited regional and ethnic inequalities in formal educational attainment. These new states bound together sub-national regions of diverse ethnic and religious communities. Read more

KAIST University Set to be Complete in June 

The Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) signature building is set to be completed by June this year in readiness for the planned Presidential ground breaking. Read more

Kenyan Universities Population by Gender 

There has been a steady decline in the number of female students in the Kenyan universities. Their male counterparts have also been on a decline path though their numbers have risen… Read more

Kenya Should Consider Size and Differentiation of HE Sector

Kenya should consider both size and potential for differentiation when formulating policy for establishing new institutions, campuses or academic programmes, says higher education expert Professor Gerald Ouma. Read more

KUCCPS Meets 32 College Heads to Spell out Roadmap for Students’ Admissions 

Preparations to place the first cohort of diploma teacher trainees into the country’s 32 public Teacher Training Colleges (TTCs) are complete.The placement will be done through the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS). Read more

Medical Students Facing Shortage of Bodies for Training on Anatomy 

It is a hot Wednesday afternoon inside a laboratory where first year medical students have gathered around a body on a table.The cadaver will be at the centre of training for the Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery students at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology. Read more

Moi University Battles to Get Through the Worst of Times

If the dead do, indeed, sometimes turn in their graves, then former Kenyan president Daniel Arap Moi must surely be trying to climb out of his, given the sad state of Moi University, an institution named after him. Read more

Parents Urged to Embrace TVET Courses 

Parents have been challenged to champion Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) courses to help their children acquire relevant skills favourable to the local and international labour markets. Read more

Possibilities and Perils of Leading a University in Africa

I was the vice-chancellor of a private university in Kenya, the United States International University-Africa (USIU-Africa), from 2016 to 2021, which offered an incredible opportunity to make my small contribution to the continued development of the university itself, put into practice my scholarly research on African higher education, … Read more 

Private and Public Universities Should Collaborate in Africa

Private universities became popular and increased exponentially in Africa around the 1990s. Before then, however, universities such as the American University in Cairo, founded in 1919, functioned amid the popularity and seeming intimidation of public universities. Read more

Programme Aims to Build Bridges, Bring Academics Together

A new partnership programme involving academics and administrators in Africa as well as Black African diaspora scholars in the United States aims to nurture research, teaching and outreach collaborations, yielding academic outcomes that are set to support the nurturing of globally competent faculty and students. Read more

Reviewed Entry Grade Blamed for Universities Cash Crunch 

University dons now attribute institutions financial woes to the reduced aggregate grade for entry. In 2016, the aggregate points to qualify for the joint admission board program was reduced. Read more

TUK to Develop Satellite to Monitor Lake Victoria Activity 

The Technical University of Kenya (TUK) has developed a space project to monitor boats and other water vessels on Lake Victoria. A team from the Nairobi-based institution came up with the nanosatellite dubbed “TUKSat-1”. Read more

TVETs will Alleviate Poverty, Says MKU Vice Chancellor 

TVETs are critical in the global education system and the master key that can alleviate poverty, Mount Kenya University vice chancellor Deogratius Jaganyi has said. Read more

University Ranking in Kenya: Best Kenyan Universities in 2022 

The University ranking in Kenya is based on the school’s number of alumni who have secured employment, published research projects, the quality of its learning facilities and other assets, students’ population, its regional and global reputation, among other things. Read more

UoN Students Join Historic Mission Flying World Leaders to Space 

University of Nairobi (UoN) students are now part of a historic space mission targeting world leaders including wealthy billionaires.Namira Salim, a Dubai-based diplomat is working towards sending a peace mission to space through her non-profit organisation, Space Trust. Read more

Varsity Bosses Headed for Clash with Controller of Budget over Pay Records 

Vice-chancellors of public universities are headed for a clash with the Controller of Budget for failure to provide records on salaries and allowances in the three months to September. Read more

Varsity Set to Produce Improved Pigeon Seeds Variety 

Egerton University is planning to recruit over 1,000 farmers in five counties who will be contracted to grow improved pigeon pea seeds varieties.Farmers who will be retained in the selected counties will also benefit from seed production training from the International Crops Research Institute… Read more

Vicious Fights Rock Higher Education Regulators 

A vicious fight has rocked state agencies responsible for regulating higher education qualifications.The Kenya National Qualifications Authority and the Technical and Vocational Education Training Authority are fighting over roles. Read more

 

31 December 2021

Creating an Environment for Intellectual Capital Remittance

African diaspora scholars – individuals born, raised and educated in Africa and who now work in foreign universities – have for years established links and worked with institutions in their mother countries as a way of ‘giving back’. Read more

Creating Vibrant and Stronger Research Communities

Diaspora academics have called for the continued and expanded support of a programme that has enabled them to contribute to the strengthening of higher education in Africa through conducting joint research, supervising graduate students, mentoring junior faculty and co-authoring grant proposals and research papers. Read more

Do You Want to be More Employable? Learn Coding Skills

Students in African universities and other tertiary institutions on the continent should learn coding skills, even when they are not enrolled as students at departments of computer sciences, as a way of preparing themselves for well-paying jobs in the digital sector and for career change directions. Read more

History Made as Lamu East Holds First-Ever Graduation Ceremony Since Independence 

History has been made in Lamu following the graduation of 484 students from the Kizingitini Technical and Vocational Education Training Centre on Thursday. Read more

Impact Research Project Seeks to Boost Food Security

Even before she has completed her masters degree in management practices for pests affecting cassava in Kenya’s coastal region, Rose Kamau thinks she has made some breakthroughs. Read more

Is Scrapping Loan Repayments Only a Political Promise?

While addressing a crowd of elated students at the Meru University of Science and Technology during his campaign tour in Meru in October 2021, Odinga said that every child in Kenya, irrespective of their social or economic background, was entitled to equal education opportunities, from junior school up to university level. Read more

Kenyatta University Kicks off HIV Awareness Camp

Kenyatta University and OraQuick HIV Self- Test have partnered to host an HIV Self-Test awareness camp as the world prepares to hold World Aids Day on December 1. Read more

Kenyatta University Students Win Global Competition

Law students representing Kenya in an international competition emerged top trouncing their colleagues from other reputable institutions across the continent. Read more

Magoha to Varsities: Create Income Generating Activities to Solve Financial Crisis 

The Cabinet Secretary for Education, Prof George Magoha, has warned that the financial problems currently afflicting public universities should not compromise the quality of education they offer. Read more

PS Mwakima Urges Youth to Enroll in TVET 

The Government has urged the youth who miss joining public universities to enroll in vocational training colleges to bridge the gap for technical skills in the public and private sector. Read more

Report Warns that Space for Free Flow of Ideas is Shrinking

Several African governments are restricting and curtailing the freedom of movement of academics and students through targeted actions, policies and practices that have frustrated the free flow of ideas,… Read more

RUFORUM Signs a Memorandum of Understanding for Collaboration…

The Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM) and the Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA) today signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for collaboration in the advancement of research and quality postgraduate studies. Read more

Scientists Urge Leaders to Up Spending on Health Education

A group of nine African academics from South Africa, Kenya, Senegal, Nigeria and Mali have called on governments and other funders for increased local investment in health research and development with a special focus on developing scientific and production capabilities, …Read more

Study Highlights Students’ Resilience Despite COVID Challenges

A shift to virtual platforms by universities in Kenya as a result of the pandemic will motivate universities to pay more attention to the quality of delivery, content and the trustworthiness of the online assessment modes, thus protecting students’ academic wellbeing, … Read more

Student Mobility Between Africa and US falls During COVID

The COVID-19 pandemic has decreased the number of international students from Africa who are studying in universities in the United States, as their numbers fell from a high of 48,679 students in the 2019-20 academic year to 45,343 students in 2020-21, a drop of 6.85%. Read more

Teachers Irked Over Cost of Compulsory Continued Education

Still reeling from the news that they have to go back to school to be retrained or risk losing their licences, thousands of teachers in Kenya have now heard that the training will take place at only four institutions, adding to their financial burden. Read more

Tin by Tin: Promoting African Research and Scholarship

Academics who recently attended the Carnegie African Diaspora Fellowship Program (CADFP) alumni convening in the United States deliberated on issues that are important and relevant for education in Africa. Read more

TSC Details How Universities Missed Multimillion Training Programme 

The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) Chief Executive Officer Nancy Macharia has explained how top Kenyan Universities missed out on the multi-million teachers training program rolled out for a period of one year. Read more

TVET to Open Regional Offices Countrywide 

The Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TVET) has promised to take its services to the grassroots level through the establishment of regional offices across the country. Read more

UNESCO Concludes Training of African Judicial Institutions on Freedom of Expression and Safety of Journalists

UNESCO in partnership with the African Court of Human and Peoples Rights conducted a 5-day Training of Trainers (ToT), organized between the 29 November  to 3 December 2021,… Read more

UNESCO Conducts Regional Training for TVET Managers in Bear II Countries

Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) managers have a significant role in their institutions. They need to be able to monitor and assess new training practices, understand why reform is necessary and actively promote reform initiatives. Read more

Universities are Front-Runners in Start-Up Support Programmes

Universities, among others, are leading Egypt as a tech powerhouse for Africa as the country now rivals – and even sometimes surpasses – more established start-up ecosystems such as South Africa, Nigeria and Kenya for levels of entrepreneurial innovation and investment. Read more

Varsities Challenged to Realign Programmes to CBC 

Universities have been challenged to start realigning their academic programmes to the requirements of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) being implemented in the country. Read more

 

30 November 2021

Broke Moi University Mulls Increasing Fees 

Moi University, which has accumulated a debt of Sh4.5 billion, is unable to meet some financial obligations and will resort to fee increments. Read more

Broke Universities Advised to ‘Hustle’ to Raise Income 

Cash-strapped public universities will use their facilities to generate income. Most of the institutions are operating on deficits and do not submit statutory deductions. Read more

Cash-strapped Kenyan Varsities Face Closure in World Bank Loan Deal 

Kenya has come under pressure from the World Bank to close and merge the cash-strapped public universities and loss-making parastatals in what would see thousands of public servants lose their jobs. Read more

COP26: Climate Aid is a Sticking Point, Says Student Delegate

Collins Otieno, a masters student in environmental planning and management at the University of Nairobi, Kenya, is attending COP26 in Glasgow, Scotland, as a member of Africa’s civil society delegation. Read more

CS Matiang’i Praises MKU’s Peace Project 

Interior CS Fred Matiang’i has commended Mt Kenya University for promoting peace initiatives.Speaking during the official opening of the newly Mwai Kibaki Convention Centre (MKCC) at MKU main campus in Thika, the CS assured Kenyans his ministry was on top of things,… Read more

Egerton Management Supervises Exams as Lecturers Boycott Classes 

Senior administrators at Egerton University’s Njoro campus had to supervise supplementary exams after hundreds of lecturers boycotted work to demand a salary increase. Read more

Egerton University Graduation Hangs in the Balance 

Egerton University’s 44th graduation ceremony hangs in the balance due to the Universities Academic Staff Union (Uasu) Chapter strike which begins tomorrow. Read more

Garissa College Shooting: Al-Shabaab Escapees Rearrested

The three prisoner escapees who were involved in the deadly Garissa University College attack in north-eastern Kenya in 2015 were rearrested on 18 November in Kitui, 160km from Nairobi en route to Garissa on their way to Somalia. Read more

Innovation for African Unis Program Launched 

The British Council has launched a program seeking to foster and strengthen universities support for entrepreneurial ecosystems in Sub-Saharan Africa.The Innovation for African Universities program comprises 24 project partnerships with universities… Read more

Innovative Teaching is Happening – Often Unsupported

Digital learning can help open up access, serve learners better and make higher education more resilient. And, in Ghana, Kenya and Nigeria, many faculty members are quietly innovating, often below the radar of their institutions and their colleagues, and frequently unsupported. Read more

Kenya Dithers on University Reforms Amid Backlash

The Kenyan government has halted the ongoing restructuring of the country’s public universities to avert a surging backlash against the changes. Read more

Kenya Relaxes University Admission and Entry Criteria

Kenya will, from next year, use new university admission criteria and entry requirements which are expected to expand study options for students. Read more

Leadership Wrangles Undermine Progress in Higher Education

Leadership wrangles have weakened several higher education institutions in Africa to a point of near collapse, suggesting that this is an area that should be developed to strengthen the sector, participants heard at a hybrid conference organised by the Africa Higher Education Research Institute (AHERI) in early November. Read more

Ministry Announces Opportunities for Unemployed Graduates 

The Ministry of Agriculture is urging young graduates who are unemployed to apply for funding and training to be offered through the government’s Enable Programme. Read more

Ministry Moves to End Duplication of HE Programmes

As universities in Kenya continue to grapple with financial instability, duplication of academic programmes has been identified as a major contributor to their failure to attract enough students…Read more

Ministry Moves to End Duplication of Programmes in Universities

As universities continue to grapple with financial instability, duplication of academic programmes has been identified as a major contributor to their failure to attract enough students. Read more

Moi University to Reopen Main Campus on Monday Amid Financial Crisis 

The financially crippled Moi University will reopen its main campus on Monday after nearly two weeks of closure due to a strike by workers, including lecturers. Read more

More PhD Scholarships in Applied Sciences to be Awarded

The African continent and its universities need more high-quality researchers and innovators not just male, but female scientists, too, said Dr Moses Osiru, manager of the regional coordination unit of the Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund (RSIF), … Read more

Mount Kenya University’s Engagement Reduces Inequalities

Highly unequal societies are less effective at reducing poverty than those with low levels of inequality. They grow more slowly and struggle to sustain economic growth. Read more

New Matchmaking Platform Could Help to Close the Skills Gap

The East African Community (EAC), through its project Digital Skills for an Innovative East African Industry (dSkills@EA), has launched an online skills matchmaking platform for young people in the East African countries of Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda. Read more

No End in Sight for Varsity’s Cash Crisis 

As public universities continue to wade in financial and managerial hardships, Egerton University, a global centre of excellence in agriculture has had a fair share of the challenges. Read more

Projects Pave Women’s Way into Data Science Fields

Data science has been playing a critical role in tackling real-life challenges across African communities and sectors such as health and urban development. Despite a steady increase in data scientists in Africa, gender parity and equality in the field has yet to be achieved. Read more

Research Licence Applications Dwindle Due to COVID-19

The number of research licence applications in Kenya decreased by 8.2% in 2019-20, according to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics’ Economic Survey 2021 released in September 2021. Read more

State Commits to Modernize TVETs 

The government is modernizing and expanding technical and vocational training institutions to create a technical savvy human resource to meet current industry standards. Read more

State Sponsorship of Private Universities Under Fire

The Kenyan government has sent some 86,270 state-sponsored students to private universities in the last six years in a programme that now faces opposition from a section of stakeholders, … Read more

Struggling Universities Face Closure in World Bank Deal

Kenya has come under pressure from the World Bank to close and merge the cash-strapped public universities and loss-making parastatals in what would see thousands of public servants lose their jobs, … Read more

Strike at Your Own Peril, Egerton University Boss Tells Lecturers

A strike started by Egerton University lecturers yesterday to push for a pay rise might not yield much after the institution declared it was broke and won’t pay. Read more

Students Turning Class Ideas into Multi-Million Businesses 

Kenyan university students impressed potential investors and mentors after converting their class ideas into business projects worth millions.The students at Dedan Kimathi University of Technology and Karatina University showcased their projects to a team from Universität des Saarlandes, Germany, … Read more

Sustainable Partnerships are Essential for Academia

Forging sustainable, goal-driven partnerships – whether they are research-based, financial, technical or government-linked – is crucial for academia to meet the full mandate of higher education. Read more

Top 20 Best Universities in AFRICA – US World News Ranking System (2021)

The rankings are based on, Global research reputation (12.5%), Regional research reputation (12.5%), Publications (10%), Books (2.5%), Conferences (2.5%), Normalized citation impact (10%), Total citations (7.5%), Number of publications that are among the 10% most cited (12.5%), … Read more

Tough Choices for New Egerton VC as University in the Red

The country’s premier agricultural institution — Egerton University — has been a pole of stability, a bastion of higher education, and a symbol of resilience in the region for decades. Read more

UASU Officials Want Moi Varsity VC Removed over Graft Allegations 

University Academic Staff Union has called for the removal of Moi University Vice Chancellor Isaac Kosgey for running down the institution. Read more

UASU Opposes Plan to Merge Public Universities 

The plan to merge public universities as a way to deal with the financial crisis has received major opposition from dons. The World Bank’s push for the merger of state universities and corporations was revealed in an advisory to the government. Read more

Uhuru Unveils Jomo Kenyatta Scholarship for UK & Kenyan Students 

President Uhuru Kenyatta, on Tuesday, November 2, unveiled the Jomo Kenyatta Scholarship for Kenyan and United Kingdom healthcare practitioners. Read more

 

31 October 2021

Agricultural Universities as Enablers of Entrepreneurship

The Transforming African Agricultural Universities to Meaningfully Contribute to Africa’s Growth and Development (TAGDev) initiative is helping students to translate their research into viable businesses and universities to become enablers of entrepreneurship. Read more

Countries Harmonise TVET Training to Promote Labour Sharing 

Kenya, Tanzania and Ethiopia, with funds from the World Bank, have started the process of harmonising Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) curriculum to make it easy to share skilled artisans and TVET lecturers. Read more

Countries Take Steps Towards Harmonised TVET Qualifications

Countries in the East African region are to benefit from a harmonised framework for the recognition of qualifications and certification in technical and vocational education and training (TVET) institutions. Read more

Court Declines to Stop Start of Teacher Refresher Courses

Universities are free to admit teachers for a mandatory refresher training course after the High Court declined to stop the scheme that require tutors to be retrained. Read more

Experiential Learning Helps to Teach Entrepreneurship

I’m a student of the ‘Transforming African Agricultural universities to meaningfully contribute to Africa’s Growth and Development’ (TAGDev) project at Egerton University in Nakuru, Kenya. TAGDev is helping students to translate their research into viable businesses and universities to become enablers of entrepreneurship. Read more

Govt Approves Recruitment of TVET Instructors Countrywide 

The Government has approved the recruitment of 6,000 instructors for Technical & Vocational Education and Training (TVET), institutions across the Country. Read more

Government Plan to Disband TVETs Exam Council Complete

The government plans to disband a crucial exams agency in a move that could throw into disarray testing procedures for thousands of technical and vocational training students. Read more

Government to Continue Placing Students in Private Universities, Says CS George

Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha (pictured) has dismissed a proposal to reverse a directive by President Uhuru Kenyatta on admission of government-sponsored students to private universities. Read more

Governor Waiguru Disburses Ksh.125.6 Million Bursaries in Aid of Needy Students 

Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has launched the distribution of this financial year’s bursaries worth Ksh. 125.6 million to needy secondary school, college and university students in the county. Read more

Gov’t Injects Sh34 Billion to Boost TVETs 

The government has injected over Sh.30 billion towards modernizing and expanding Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions in the country. These efforts aim at meeting the industrial need for relevant skills and knowhow required in the various fields offered by the institutions. Read more

Ignorance to Blame for Students’ Failure to Take up Unpopular Courses 

Students joining universities and colleges have, over the years, chosen to study courses deemed more marketable than others. Read more

Israel Announces Internship for 200 Kenya Varsity Students 

Comprising students from universities and colleges, the 200 will travel to Israel where they will be hosted at the Arava International Center for Agricultural Training (AICAT). Students selected for the internship will undergo an 11-month training at AICAT, Read more

Kenyan and German Universities in Partnership to Nurture Entrepreneurship Skills

A group of German and Kenyan Universities are spearheading a campaign aimed at making students think business, and work towards becoming entrepreneurs, as job opportunities continue to shrink and the number of graduates continue to bulge. Read more

Kisii University Retains Kusa Title

Kisii University successfully defended the Kenya Universities Sports Association championship after dominating the Western Conference track and field events… Read more

Kisii University Suspends Second-Year Students After Tuesday’s Strike

Kisii University has suspended its second-year students and ordered them out of the Campus after a strike Tuesday over a fee hike.The decision was reached by a Senate meeting late Tuesday. Read more

Makerere University to Host Kings of Africa Rugby Sevens

Makerere University will this weekend host the Kings of Africa Rugby Sevens. The tournament will see Universities from Uganda, South Africa, Kenya, Botswana and Libya fight look to book a ticket to the World University Games in Kazan, Russia next year. Read more

MKU Delegates Attend Global Leaders Talloires Conference

Delegates from Mount Kenya University joined other delegates Worldwide to a virtual conference organised by Talloires Network of Engaged Universities, USA. Read more

MKU Gets Approval of TSC to Provide Newly Launched Teacher Professional Development –

Mount Kenya University (MKU) is set to train practising teachers and instructional leaders under a newly launched Teacher Service Commission (TSC) programme. Read more

MKU, UNESCO Launch Students Health and Wellbeing Project 

Mount Kenya University (MKU) has launched a health and wellbeing project for students in partnership with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). Read more

Mount Kenya University to Award Best Performing Teachers

Mount Kenya University Rwanda (MKUR) has announced that it will be recognising this year’s best performing teachers in Rwanda, awarding them with laptops. Read more

Multimedia University Gets Modern Learning Facilities

The Government is constructing a five-storied modern library at Multimedia University of Kenya (MMU) at a cost of over Sh645 million to enable students at the facility have adequate space for research, learning and personal development. Read more

New Project Aims to Foster Student Health and Well-Being

A project that seeks to promote the health and well-being of students in higher learning institutions and tertiary institutions in Eastern and Southern African regions was recently launched by the University of Nairobi (UON) in partnership with UNESCO and Mount Kenya University. Read more

PhD Holders, Young Graduates, Fight for Survival – and Jobs

The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the rising rate of unemployment in Kenya make the phrase ‘beggars can’t be choosers’ a reality for many highly educated people. Read more

Science as the Key to Sustainable and Equitable Development

Africa could more rapidly implement the goals of the UN Agenda 2030 on sustainable development through a science, technology and innovations revolution focused on sustainable development rather than environmental exploitation, according to Professor Hubert Gijzen, UNESCO regional director for Eastern Africa. Read more

Strathmore University Wins National Moot Court Competition 

Over the years, Strathmore University’s strength has been known to be in the business field and not law.However, Strathmore Law School is following in the footsteps of the Strathmore Business School which is among the top ranked in Kenya. Read more

Student-Led Business That Is Not Only About Sales

In 2019, together with two fellow students from Egerton University in Kenya, I established a company called Daucus Limited Agribusiness. The company was incubated with the help of Agrienterprise Incubation for Improved Livelihoods and Economic Development under principal investigator Professor Patience Mshenga. Read more

Taita University Workers Strike Over Implementation of Pay Deal

Taita Taveta University (TTU) lecturers and workers have downed tools over the delayed implementation of the 2017/2021 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). Read more

Trainee Teachers to Wait Longer for KUCCPS Placement to TTCs 

Trainee teachers will have wait longer for government funding since they yet to be put under the ambit of Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS). Read more

UNESCO Boosts Reproductive Health Services in Local Universities…

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has launched an initiative to reduce HIV prevalence in 4 African Countries. Read more

Universities Barred from Raising Fees as Court Says Decision Illegal

The High Court has scuttled plans to increase fees for an estimated 537,000 students in public universities.The court also declared as unconstitutional a new funding formula, which was to be adopted by universities in determining how much students pursuing certain courses were to be charged. Read more

Universities Embrace Entrepreneurship Courses 

Five local universities are in the process of fast-tracking business-oriented programmes to be offered at their institutions to empower their lecturers and students with entrepreneurial skills. Read more

University of Nairobi Student Found Dead in Her Room 

A University of Nairobi student has died in unclear circumstances in her room. The fifth-year veterinary medicine student is reported to have died by suicide. Her lifeless body was found dangling from a scarf tied to the door on Friday. Read more

University Students Concerned Over Mental Health Issues 

Kenya universities students are calling on the Government to enhance funding towards mental health awareness to curb the increase in suicide cases and depression among the youth. Read more

Universities Urged to Offer Courses Relevant to Market Demands 

The Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA) has challenged local universities to put more emphasis on courses that are relevant to the current market demands. Read more

UoN Don Calls for Reforms in Agriculture Training

University of Nairobi vice-chancellor Stephen Kiama has called on institutions of higher learning that offer agricultural courses to ensure students are holistically equipped both theoretically and practically. Read more

Vaccine Mandates: Some Students are Opting to Defer Studies

Vaccine mandates for students may mean a hold on studies for third-year Kenyan student Rawlins Oduk, who is studying in a Ugandan university on a sports scholarship. Read more

 Varsity Aligns Training Programs To CBC 

Kabarak University in collaboration with Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) has initiated the process of modifying its academic programmes to align them with the Competency Based Curriculum (CBC). Read more

 

30 September 2021

Book on Decolonisation Reflects on Difference, Oppression

The end of the colonial and apartheid regimes in South Africa and other African countries might have been a big step towards the liberation from slavery and other forms of human oppression,… Read more

CBC is on the Right Path, Magoha Now Tells Critics

Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha has dismissed critics of the Competency Based Curriculum (CBC) and said the education system is on the right path. Read more

EACC Goes After Moi University 

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has launched an investigation into allegations of embezzlement and presence of ghost workers at Moi University. Read more

Entrepreneurship Programme Proves Students can Work and Study

Whenever he is not in class or completing an academic assignment at Kenya’s Egerton University, Gabriel Kwendo is likely to be at Comrades Dairy, helping to make and package yoghurt or sell milk to customers. Read more

First-Year Students to Get Helb Loans Mid-October 

The Higher Education Loans Board has announced that first-year students admitted to universities this year will get their first disbursement of student loans in October. Read more

Gender Inequality, Decline in Expenditure Hamper Enrolment

African universities are expected to help tackle challenges facing African society and realise the aspirations of the Africa Agenda 2063 and the United Nations Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals 2030 in the current context of globalisation of higher education, … Read more

HELB Reduces Loans, Delays Disbursement as Varsity Students Report

The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) now says university students will receive reduced funding. Read more

Institutions in SA, Egypt, Kenya Ranked for Graduate Skills

Two South African universities have been placed in the top 200 institutions in the world for their work towards the production of graduates with the skills and knowledge required for the modern workplace. Read more

Kenya Law Students Beat 38 Varsities, Top in Moot Court Competition 

Two law students from Kenya have won the African Human Rights Moot Court Competition after beating competitors from 38 universities.Sidney Tambasi and Martin Kioko, students at Kenyatta University School of Law, won the competition… Read more

Kenyan University Students to Participate in Global IT Competition in China 

At least 60 university students across the country have been shortlisted to join global teams that will compete at the 2021 Huawei Virtual Seeds for the Future program competition… Read more

KU Bank Accounts Frozen by KRA

Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has frozen all bank account belonging to Kenyatta University following a protracted battle over Ksh2 billion tax arrears. Read more

Kwale Youth Urged to Embrace Technical Training

Youth in Kwale County have been urged to embrace vocational courses offered at the local Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) institutions to acquire skills for employment. Read more

Over 63,000 Varsity Students to Miss Helb Loans

Almost half of the students selected to join university this September under government sponsorships will miss out on student loans. Read more

Lecturers Defy Court and Picket Over Salary Arrears

Lecturers and non-teaching staff at six public universities defied a court order and held demonstrations to demand full salary and remittance of statutory deductions. Read more

Medical Student Sets Up Social Media Network to Help Other Women

“My work is going global now. I have a website to reach out to women on and off campus. Campus life is often about books, alcohol, drugs, and sex – all of which I have managed to control by keeping busy with my WhatsApp groups,” said Janet Ogega. Read more

More Females Taking Artisan Courses Compared to Men 

The number of females enrolling for artisan courses has increased compared to that of their male counterparts. Read more

New Poor Linked to Quality Problems in Higher Education

The shock of the COVID-19 pandemic in Kenya is forcing large numbers of young university graduates and their counterparts in other tertiary education institutions into extreme poverty, according to a report from the World Bank, which states that the ‘new poor’ are in urban areas. Read more

No Ghost Workers Here, Says Moi University Amid EACC Probe

Moi University has come out to refute claims that it has ghost workers on its payroll.Last week, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) said it had launched a probe into allegations of ghost workers, a bloated workforce and alleged embezzlement of funds at the office of the Vice Chancellor. Read more

Over 100 Teachers Participate in ODL Training

An ODL training course for developing teachers’ competence in planning, preparing, and organising online and distance-based education started on September 9. The course has a total of 105 participants from HEIs in Kenya, Zambia and Uganda. Read more

President of the Association of African Universities Participates in the Inauguration and Investiture of UNISA’s First Female Vice Chancellor

The President of the Association of African Universities (AAU), Professor Bakri Osman Saeed received a kind invitation from Professor Puleng LenkaBula, the new Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of South Africa (UNISA), to participate in her inauguration ceremony. Read more

Public Varsities’ Debt Hits Sh57bn

Public universities’ debt has hit Sh56.6 billion amid a falling student population and rising salaries, putting at risk their sustainability as State implements their restructuring. Read more

Pain for University of Nairobi Students as Fees Double

First-year students who started reporting to the University of Nairobi (UoN) yesterday will pay double the fees their predecessors paid, as the institution implements its new charges. Read more

Rankings: African Universities Have Made Progress Since 2018

African universities at last may be shaking off the longstanding unenviable characterisation of not measuring up to their counterparts in other parts of the world when it comes to providing high-quality teaching, research output, knowledge transfer and international outlook, … Read more

Researchers in Africa Unite to Tackle Challenges (Africa)

Africa’s researchers from the humanities and natural sciences have resolved to combine efforts and implement solutions unearthed from their findings to tackle major challenges that plague the continent. Read more

Support More Students with Innovative Business Ideas

The COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact on several dimensions of life across the whole world. This has presented various challenges to all sectors of the global economy, including education and business. Read more

SURE Food Project Launched

The University of Nairobi in partnership with other institutions has received funding from the Germany Government to conduct a 3-year project on solutions to food insecurity and malnutrition. Read more

Targeted, Proactive Efforts Needed to Strengthen Physics

The need for a proactive effort to improve the teaching and researching of physics in Sub-Saharan Africa as a foundation for critically important scientific work has been highlighted in a new report from the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) and the UK-based Institute of Physics (IOP). Read more

TVET Enrollment Shot By 600pc 

The national government has invested massively in the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector escalating students’ enrollment to these institutions by over 600 per cent since 2013. Read more

TVETs: AfDB Extends Support to Special Needs Youth 

The African Development Bank is keen on skills development for the youth to help them not only to be employable but also become job creators. Read more

United States International University – Africa Appoints Interim Vice Chancellor

Whilst in Kenya she served on several boards including the Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE), the Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE) and Secretary to the Kenya Educational Network (KENET) Board. Read more

Universities Called Upon to Lead Political Engagement

African universities have been called upon to be engaged in political and social activism and take leading roles towards improving the human condition on the continent by exposing inherent dangers of inequalities, exclusion, oppression, racism and other forms of coloniality in society. Read more

Universities Need for Paradigm Shift to Refocus their Curriculum to Competency-Based Learning …

Growing concerns about the increasing unemployability of youth graduates from Universities in the East African Community (EAC) region has put into sharp focus the need to re-think the quality of training and the relevance of courses offered by institutions… Read more

University of Eldoret Staff Hold Demo

University of Eldoret (UoE) lecturers and non-teaching staff held a protest Wednesday citing delayed implementation of a planned pay hike. While holding a peaceful demonstration outside the varsity’s premises,… Read more

UoN Students Plan Demos to Protest Against Hiked Fees

The University of Nairobi Students’ Association has announced planned demonstrations, following the collapse in negotiations over increased school fees. Read more

Varsity Impacting Positive Change in The Community

Chuka University has over the years played a key role in boosting the socio-economic status of Tharaka Nithi county, through its elaborate Social Corporate Responsibility aimed at impacting a positive influence in the society. Read more

VC’s Plan to Make Masinde Muliro Top-Notch Varsity

When Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha asked him to take over the reins of leadership at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (Mmust), Prof Solomon Shibairo accepted the offer but reluctantly. Read more

 

31 August 2021

African Development Bank Highlights the Need for Strategic Partnerships and …

The African Development Bank joined the Global Partnership for Education and other multilateral development banks during the Global Education Summit: Financing GPE 2021-2025(link is external), to call for stronger strategic partnerships to build innovative financing mechanisms in support of quality education and skills development. Read more

Chinese Tutors to Teach in Kenyan Universities After Govt Deal

The partnership involves contracting the Chinese professionals to share their technical skills with Kenyan students in local universities. Read more

Competency-Based Curriculum: Universities Lagging Behind

Universities in East Africa need to start realigning their academic programmes to the requirements of the competency-based curriculum (CBC), being implemented at various levels of the basic education system in the region. Read more

Conduct Research on Social Problems, Scholars Urged

Coast Regional Commissioner John Elungata has challenged academicians and religious scholars from the region to carry out extensive research on social problems affecting the region and offer tangible solutions. Read more

Court Annuls Kenyatta University Lecturers’ Union Election

The court has nullified elections of officials of the lecturers’ union of Kenyatta University after 147 members complained that they had been locked out of the process. Read more

Egerton University UASU Chapter Suspends Lecturers’ Strike

Universities Academic Staff Union (Uasu) Egerton Chapter will not participate in the nationwide lecturers’ strike that is set to begin tomorrow. Read more

Former Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Moi University Prof. Bobby Wishitemi Dies

Wishitemi died on Sunday mid-morning, August 15, at the Eldoret Hospital in Uasin Gishu County, his colleague at Moi University, Prof. Nathan Ogechi told The Standard. Read more

Investment Opportunities in Education are Beckoning

Africa has one of the strongest opportunities for growth in tertiary education globally despite sloppy quality credentials, a new survey shows, riding on sustained economic expansion. Read more

I Started a Consultancy to Train University Students on Data Management

Every time I listened to reports from different media outlets, I became increasingly convinced that some of the challenges Africa faces can be addressed if we invested more in research. Read more

Gov’t Committed to Support Alupe University

The Chief Administrative Secretary for Treasury Erick Simiyu has expressed the government’s commitment to ensuring that Alupe University College is well equipped and has proper infrastructural development. Read more

Graduates to be ‘Uxported’ Under Skills Partnership Model

Chronic unemployment of university graduates in Sub-Saharan Africa is driving universities and other tertiary institutions in the region into forming partnerships with some European countries to train middle-level migrant workers to fill skills shortages that exist in those foreign labour markets, … Read more

Meet University Students Behind Kenya’s Budding Space Race

In the last two weeks, millions watched as billionaire businessmen Richard Branson and Jeff Bezos blasted their way into space. Among those watching the developments were eight Kenyatta University students who, if all goes to plan, intend to launch a satellite into space this August. Read more

MKU Founder Gicharu Lauds Placement of Students into Universities

MKU Chairman Prof Simon Gicharu has welcomed the placement of some of the best students in last year’s KCSE examinations to the University. Read more

MKU Partners with Prisons Department to Empower Inmates

Mount Kenya University (MKU) has distributed tablets fed with offline content to aid learning of inmates at Naivasha Maximum Security Prison. This is as part of an ongoing partnership between the University and the Prisons Department. Read more

Outgoing USIU VC Makes Ksh100 Million Donation to Students

Outgoing United States International University (USIU) Vice Chancellor Professor Paul Tiyambe Zeleza has made a donation of personal gifts valued at Ksh100 million (US$1 million) to his former students. Read more

Over 700,000 Students to Know Universities They Will Go to Tomorrow

More than 700,000 students who sat last year’s KCSE national examinations will tomorrow know the courses they have been allocated and the universities in which they will pursue their dream careers. Read more

Possible Overhaul of Teacher Training Sparks Tension

As part of the ongoing education reforms in Kenya, the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has proposed a review and, possibly, a complete overhaul of the Bachelor of Education (BEd) degree programme. Read more

Private Varsities Charge State-Sponsored Students Extra Fees, MPs Told

Private varsities such as Nazarene University, St Paul’s University, Kenya Methodist, and KCA, are accused of charging over Sh20,000 per semester. Read more

Public Universities to Establish Coffee Shops

International coffee prices have been on a sharp increase since June this year due to frost in Brazil with a kilogramme of the green bean fetching as high as Sh 400 at the global markets. Read more

Public Varsity in Short Term Loans as Debts Hit Ksh1.3B

Kenyatta University has sunk into a Ksh1.3 billion debt as of June this year, forcing the institution to depend on short-term loans to finance its operations. Read more

Six Kenyan TVET Institutions Receives ICT Equipment from BEAR II Project

UNESCO Regional Director, Prof. Hubert Gijzen officially handed over ICT Equipment (Computers, interactive boards, projectors, microphones, solar panels etc.) to Six TVET Institutions in Kenya, who are the beneficiaries of UNESCO BEAR II Project funded by the Republic of Korea.  Read more

SL Education Minister Meets Kenyan Counterpart to Discuss Bilateral Cooperation…

Honorable Ahmed Mohmed Torno, SL’s education minister held a meeting with Kenyan counterpart Prof. George Albert Magoha on Thursday while paying a visit to Nairobi. Read more

Students Snub Varsities Leaving 38,973 Empty Slots

Kenyan universities have been left with 38,973 unfilled slots after some candidates who sat the national entrance exams last year failed to take up their admission offers, dealing a fresh blow to the institutions’ already falling revenues. Read more

Taita Taveta University Signs Technical Training Agreement with China

The online ceremony was witnessed by the PS university education and research Amb. Simon Nabukwesi, Ambassador Sarah Serem, Kenya’s Ambassador to Beijing China, officials under the Ministry of Education China, … Read more

The COVID-19 Year Brought Troubles and Triumphs

I believe that, in future, our lives will be remembered as life before March 2020 and life after the arrival of the coronavirus pandemic. Today, shaking hands, previously the norm, is frowned upon while enforcing social distancing in public spaces is commonplace. Read more

Tokyo Olympics: What is the Role of Universities in Sport?

Africa’s poor performance in the recent Olympic Games in Tokyo highlighted the role that universities on the continent could play to help prepare sports stars for the international sports stage, similar to the work done by institutions in other parts of the world, notably the United States. Read more

To Meet CBC Needs, Reform of University Study Necessary

The reforms the government is initiating in basic education institutions will inevitably require fundamental changes in higher education. Read more

Unions, Universities in Fresh Row Over Sh8.8b Pay Deal

A fresh row has erupted over the distribution of Sh2.2 billion meant for staff of public universities. Read more

University Lecturers Strike Looms over Sh8.8 Billion Salary Deal 

Learning in public universities will be disrupted from Monday next week as the teaching staff union issue a seven-day strike notice over the implementation of the Sh8.8 billion salary deal. Read more

Universities Support Insect-Based Food and Feed Systems

Universities are contributing to the upscaling of insect-based food and feed systems in Sub-Saharan Africa, which have economic, environmental and social benefits that could support the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. Read more

Varsity Launches Counselling Programme

Egerton University has unveiled an initiative designed to make counselling services more user friendly and accessible to students. Read more

Vice-Chancellors, Policy-Makers Agree to Reshape HE

Growing disruptions and new developments in higher education have prompted leaders and policy makers in the sector back to the drawing board to discuss the future of higher education in the East African Community (EAC), … Read more

What Covid-19 Teaches Africa About Investing in Education

If there is a universal lesson from the disruptive impact of Covid pandemic in Africa, it is that we can no longer ignore the unprecedented learning crisis facing the continent, which is clouding Africa’s vision to bequeath a foundation for prosperous future generations. Read more

 

31 July 2021

1^st IDI-Sponsored Clinical Trial on HIV Treatment Published in NEJM

The first IDI-sponsored clinical trial on HIV treatment has been published in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM). This is a multi-site study in Uganda, Kenya and Zimbabwe. Read more

2020 KCSE Candidates to Know Their Universities, Colleges by Mid-August

The Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) now says the 2020 KCSE candidates will know their fate by mid-August this year. Read more

Blind Lecturer is a Staunch Champion for Inclusive Education

After Beth Nasiforo Mukarwego’s birth while the family was in exile in Burundi, her parents were frantic about her education because she had a visual impairment that led to blindness. Read more

Court Awards Students Sh15m After Failing to Secure Jobs with Degree

The High Court has awarded Sh15 million to 75 former students for failing to secure jobs using an engineering degree awarded by Technical University of Kenya (TUK), which is not recognised by the Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK). Read more

Dedan Kimathi University Closed Indefinitely After Students Riot Over Fee Increment

The Dedan Kimathi University of Technology main campus in Nyeri has been closed indefinitely following student riots over fee increment. Read more

E-Learning is Getting Stuck in the Digital Divide

With 82% of students in Sub-Saharan Africa stranded without internet access, many African universities’ valiant efforts to embrace online delivery got stuck in the digital divide. COVID-19 has shown that affordable, accessible internet is more necessary than ever. Read more

Heads of State Call to Action on Education Finance…

We, Heads of State and Government of the Partner Countries of the Global Partnership for Education (GPE), ahead of the GLOBAL EDUCATION SUMMIT: FINANCING GPE 2021-2025 to be co-hosted by the Governments of Kenya and the United Kingdom in London on 28^th and 29^th July 2021. Read more

Heads of State Commit to Support Universities

A group of African heads of state have committed to working closely with African universities in the quest to end hunger on the continent. They undertook to support the institutions in their mission to train the personnel needed to drive African agriculture and to invest in the scientific research needed to thrive. Read more

Health Experts Trained to Enhance Capacity in Research 

The Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS) in collaboration with Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute (KCRI) have provided training to health professionals from the East African region… Read more 

High Court Stops UoN from Effecting Administrative Changes…

In the Strategic Plan 2019-2024, the university abolished five deputy vice-chancellor offices and replaced them with two associate vice-chancellors to cut costs. Read more

Institute of Engineers Partnership to Promote Best Practices

The University of Nairobi (UoN) and the Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK) have embarked on a partnership that will be vital in bridging the gap between engineering theory and practice while promoting best practices in the field. Read more

Kenya on Thursday Joined the World in Marking World Youth Skill Day

The theme of this year is, “Reimagining Youth Skills for the Present and Future”. During the celebrations, the Ministry of Education Chief Administrative Secretary, Hassan Noor Hassan said the theme resonates well with Kenya’s commitment to provide relevant skills to propel communities to a more prosperous nation. Read more

Kenya’s University of Nairobi in the Midst of Crises

A series of crises has rocked the University of Nairobi, sending Kenya’s second-largest institution by student numbers teetering on the brink of shutdown. Read more

Major Changes as UoN Moves to Fill New Positions

University of Nairobi Vice-chancellor Stephen Kiama has made appointments to positions created in recent reforms that merged functions and abolished some positions at the institution. Read more

Nairobi Professor: How Universities Set Up Graduates for Failure

Professor Alfred Omenya, a professional architect, has shared intrigues into how tertiary facilities create controversial degrees that disadvantage graduates seeking job opportunities. Read more

New Lab at University of Nairobi to Accelerate Search for COVID-19 Vaccine

Vaccine shortage continues to prolong the pain of COVID-19 in Africa, with just under 1.5% of 2.7 billion doses having been administered in Africa. Read more

Private Universities Address Concerns of Fee Increment

Simon Gicharu, chairman of the National Association of Private Universities in Kenya, affirmed that technology and innovation are key to aid them in coping with the tough economic times- hence no need to increase the fees. Read more

Quality Higher Education ‘Indispensable’ for Africa’s Future

Higher education in Africa and around the world is in a moment of rapid transition and transformation, thanks to the massive disruptions of COVID-19 that have accelerated long-term trends and exposed and exacerbated the sector’s systemic deficiencies and inequalities. Read more

Research Policy House to Study Access During Pandemic

Two Kenya-based international higher education think tanks have joined forces to advance equitable access to quality higher education in the pandemic environment.

ROAM Principles and Indicators Presented at the IAMCR Conference 2021

Dr Matthias C. Kettemann from Leibniz Institute for Media Research, Fabio Senne from CETIC.br, Alain Kiyindou from Université Bordeaux Montaigne and Grace Githaiga from  Kenya ICT Action Network – all stressed the importance of the data collection process… Read more

State Now Disowns Fees Increase in Universities

The push by universities to increase fees has hit a dead end after the government disowned any such plans. Read more

Students from Arid Regions Shy from Tertiary Education, Reveals KUCCPS

Students from arid and semi-arid regions are reluctant to apply for university placement, Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Services (KUCCPS) has revealed. Read more

Students from Kenya Return Home with Range of New Skills

Hundreds of Kenyan students have returned from China after successfully completing their studies in different fields. Read more

Study Shows Geography is Key Driver to University Access

Ethnicity seems to be making way for geographic location as a primary indicator of unequal access to university education in Sub-Saharan Africa, a recent study suggests. Read more

The United Nations has Recognized Mount Kenya University Efforts…

The UN commended the University and gave the institution a special role in the region to help the disadvantaged, especially people living with disability. Read more

University Don Urges Youth to Enroll in TVETs to Self-Reliant

MKU Pro-Chancellor Dr Vincent Gaitho has challenged the youth to enroll in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as a viable alternative to university education. Read more

University of Nairobi Scraps Eight Colleges to Cut Costs

The University of Nairobi (UoN) has abolished offices, merged functions and created new posts in a move to eliminate duplication and cut costs. Read more

Universities on High Alert over Fake Degrees Ahead of Polls

Universities have been put on high alert over the potential acquisition of fraudulent degrees by politicians seeking elective posts ahead of the next General Election. Read more

UoN Doubles Fees as Student Enrolment Dips

New students enrolling into The University of Nairobi (UoN) will have to dig deeper into their pockets after the institution doubled fees to cushion it from a cash crunch brought about by a dip in student enrolment. Read more

UoN Restructuring Draws Mixed Reactions from Dons, Unions

The planned restructuring of the University of Nairobi (UoN) has elicited mixed reactions from lecturers and union officials. Read more

UoN – UNESCO Partnership to Empower the Youth

UNESCO and the Swiss Development Corporation are working on a project that will empower a network of universities across Africa. Seven Kenyan Universities including the University of Nairobi will be engaged in the initial phase of this collaboration that will empower the youth. The launch date of this project… Read more

Varsity Chiefs Blame Alcohol, Drugs for High Rate of Dropouts

University administrators have lamented over rampant consumption of alcohol and drug abuse among students in tertiary institutions. Read more

Varsity to Represent Kenya in Dar Trade Fair

Mount Kenya University (MKU) with its headquarters in Thika, Kiambu County is set to represent Kenyan Universities at this year’s Dar –es- Salaam trade fair. Read more

 

30 June 2021

15,547 Students Snub Universities for TVET Courses

Some 15,547 candidates who scored C+ and above in the 2020 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examination snubbed universities while some opted for diploma and certificate courses like plumbing in technical institutions. Read more

94,285 KCSE Candidates Placed in Universities, 32,000 Asked to Re-Apply

Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) has announced that 94,285 of the candidates who sat for the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examination in 2020 have been placed in various degree courses. Read more

Broke Kisii University Unable to Honour CBA

Kisii University is broke. The dire financial situation the university finds itself in has grossly affected service delivery, with lecturers threatening to go on strike over non-implementation of a collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Read more 

COVID-19: Study Augurs Well for Research Output

Four South African universities – the University of Cape Town, Stellenbosch University, the University of the Witwatersrand and the University of KwaZulu-Natal – led 15 institutions that contributed most to the science of COVID-19 in Africa during the first year of the pandemic,…Read more

Generosity and Collegiality as Institutions Embrace Blended Learning

African universities have been faced with challenges of insufficient funding, which have been jeopardising critical programmes, especially in research and innovation. Read more

Govt Offers Tax Refunds to Organisations Employing TVET Graduates

In the newest efforts to boost interest in technical and vocational training institutes, Treasury CS Ukur Yatani announced tax rebates for firms giving at least one-year internships to graduates from the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme. Read more

Huawei Launches Upgraded East African Region Training Center in Nairobi

Along with the highly skilled local instructors, it will provide training to telecommunications operators, government ICT officers, network contractors, industry partners and university students. Read more

Invest in Training that Supports CBC, Uhuru Tells Universities

“The Competence-Based Curriculum is a revolutionary step we took as a country to provide our learners with twenty-first-century practical skills relevant to the needs of the present world,”… Read more

Lean and Green: Kenya Adopts Online Accreditation Process

Kenya is moving its university programme accreditation process from a manual to an online system. Read more

Mara Varsity: Sankale was Dismissed for Gross Misconduct, Not for Whistleblowing

According to the university, Sankale was promoted from his substantive rank of Senior Accountant to Acting Chief Internal Auditor in June 2020 for his whistle-blowing role. Read more

Medical Graduates ‘Lack Knowledge on Antibiotics’

Most medical graduates from various universities in East Africa have very little practical knowledge on the use of antibiotics in clinical scenarios and other hospital settings, a new study shows, and suggests that the situation might be widespread in the region. Read more

Ministry of ICT Launches Ajira Digital Club at Egerton University in a Bid to Boost Job Creation

The Ministry of ICT, Innovation and Youth Affairs has launched the Egerton University Ajira Digital Club. The club will be running by the University students to enable them access digital and digitally-enabled job opportunities. Read more

Mt Kenya University Takes Action After Student was Stabbed in Packed Hostel

Mt Kenya University has taken action after the murder of Celestine Muthengei, a Second-Year student of Mt. Kenya Universitya who was stabbed on Monday 14. Read more

Student Exchange Programmes: What You Need to Know

Travelling is a worthwhile experience for most people – especially for young people in their prime. Globalisation continues to offer more opportunities and is one of the main catalysts of internationalisation in academia. Read more

The School of Science and Technology Hosts a Career Talk at Makini Cambridge School

As part of its community service efforts, the School of Science and Technology last week participated in a career talk at the Makini Cambridge School. The career talk was carried out as part of the School’s initiatives to reach out to students across various schools… Read more

Two New Programs in the School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences Meet the Threshold…

Two new academic programs in the School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences Bachelor of Technology in Analytical Chemistry (B. Tech Analytical Chemistry) and Bachelor of Science in Applied Biochemistry (B.sc Applied Biochemistry) have recently been reviewed by subject experts and CUE quality assurance officers… Read more

University and Communities Join Forces in Conservation

The Maasai Mara University (MMU) has partnered with its neighbouring communities to champion conserving the East African water towers. The university has planted more than 10,000 indigenous trees on 250 acres (101ha) of land in the Mau Forest for water catchment purposes. Read more

Varsity Students Hit by Cuts in State Funding

Recurrent grants for public universities have dropped to 53 percent on stagnated government funding, slashing the average amount allocated per student. Read more

When Studying and Graduating Seem Like a Waste of Time…

Blouses, trousers, shoes and dresses are what fill up most of Juliet Anyango’s WhatsApp status and Instagram pages as she tries to earn a living from selling second-hand clothes online. Read more

 

31 May 2021

50 Female Journalism Students from 5 Varsities Set for Mentorship

The fourth edition of the Female Journalists Mentorship Programme was launched on Saturday, bringing together a fresh cohort of journalism and mass communication students from five local universities. Read more

Addressing Equity and Resilience in the Wake of COVID-19

Last year, roughly 222 million students were enrolled in formal post-secondary education around the world, more than doubling the 100 million student enrolment figure from 2000. Read more

All 747,161 Candidates to Get Higher Learning Placement

The Education CS affirmed that all candidates who sat their 2020 exams will have the ability to progress to other levels under the Government’s plan of zero wastage and 100 per cent transition. Read more

Disruption of Sector Highlights Need to Rethink Internships

Internships, a building block and prerequisite in the qualifications at many colleges and universities, have been severely disrupted by COVID-19 and require a rethink by higher education institutions. Read more

HELB Officially Takes Over Afya Elimu Fund (AEF)

AEF started as a scholarship scheme in the Financial Year 2012/2013 targeting to offer scholarships to 341 middle level health trainees in specific cadres and from marginalized areas. Read more

Invasive Alien Species May Cost African Agricultural Sector $3.66 Trillion Per Year

A team of researchers from CABI, in Ghana, Kenya, the UK and Switzerland, estimate that the average cost of invasive alien species to the agricultural sector of each African country is $76.3 billion per year. Read more

KCB to Enroll Top Sponsored Students on Apprentice Programme

KCB Foundation has announced that the top 50 students in KCSE 2020 examination results that were released on Monday will join the apprentice programme ahead of university. Read more

Moi University Partners with UNEP in InTex Project

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has selected the Africa Centre of Excellence in Phytochemicals, Textile and Renewable Energy (ACEII PTRE) of Moi University to be among its four African institutions to partner with in the implementation of InTex project. Read more

New Normal in Education

This event, co-hosted by ONE Africa and Nation Media Group, will highlight the learning crisis pre- and during the COVID pandemic and the importance of education access and financing in Kenya and Africa as a whole. Read more

NIT, Ethiopian College Sign MOU for Exchange Programme

The five-year project funded by the World Bank and implemented inTanzania, Ethiopia and Kenya is set to increase access and improve the quality of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes…Read more

PBL-BioAfrica in Line with Kenyan Policies

PBL-BioAfrica, being a collaborative project, points towards strengthening bioeconomy education through promoting PBL (Problem-Based Learning), entrepreneurship, innovation, and digital learning methods in Sub-Saharan Africa. This a plausible solution to the Kenya’s 21st century challenges. Read more

President Kenyatta Awards University Charter to National Defence College

President Uhuru Kenyatta has awarded a charter to the National Defence College, making the military institution the first specialist university in the country under the Universities Act of 2012. Read more

RUFORUM Hosts African Government Technical Experts

The Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM) hosted a virtual dialogue for Africa Government Technical Experts towards the UN Food Systems Summit 2021 under the theme “Transforming food systems is crucial for delivering all the Sustainable Development Goals”. Read more

Taita-Taveta University Gets New VC

Speaking yesterday during the university’s fourth graduation ceremony, which was held virtually, Prof Barasa said the institution has become a centre of excellence for Mining and Fuels. Read more

Think Tank Formed to Rescue Public Universities from Financial Woes

The government has appointed a high-powered team of intellectuals and university administrators to come up with concrete solutions on how to get public universities out of the financial mess they are currently steeped in, a mess that threatens operations in many of them. Read more

Thousands Deregistered Amid Further Funding Cuts

Kenya has effected further budget cuts for public universities in response to a financial crunch facing the East African economy and deregistered 12,000 students who have failed to complete their studies within the set time. Read more

Turkana University College Joins Prehistoric Archeological Project

The Turkana University College has officially joined the project “Consolidating the Future through Mastering the Deep Past” (CONFMAP). Read more

TVET Tutors to Learn Pedagogy, Refresh Their Skills

An estimated 3,000 tutors at various technical and vocational education and training (TVET) colleges in Kenya are expected to go back to school for refresher courses as part of new reform strategies. Read more

Two MKU Students Among Beneficiaries of MbeleNaBiz Competition

Two Mount Kenya University students are among 750 young entrepreneurs awarded grants and seed capital under the MbeleNaBiz Competition. Read more

Oxfam Pays UL Gender Students’ Registration Fees

Launching the fundraiser for the construction of proposed facilities for the Honors College on Friday, 7 May on UL Capitol Hill Campus, Mr. Eugene Beleto, Oxfam Liberia Acting Country Representative said Oxfam is happy to join the efforts of UL and partners to be part of the fundraising program… Read more

Top Students Prefer STEM Courses, Study Shows

Robin Wanjala Simuyu jumped up with joy when he heard his name read by Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha. He was the top candidate in the 2020 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations. He knew that his dream to pursue a degree in medicine at the university had finally come true. Read more

Underqualified Politicians Still Stalling Degree Legislation

Legislation demanding a university degree from political leaders might see close to 50% of Kenya’s members of county assemblies (MCAs) and members of parliament (MPs) lose their seats in the upcoming 2022 general elections. Read more

University Slots Exceed Qualified KCSE Candidates

Education CS Prof George Magoha announced that 160,160 slots were up for grabs in public and private universities under the government-sponsored programme and 331,045 spaces in Technical and TVET institutions. Read more

USIU-Africa Launches Training for Health Care Providers on Immunization Skills

Amidst the current COVID-19 pandemic, the World Health Organization (WHO) and its partners are working to diversify responses beyond tracking the pandemic, advising on critical interventions to distributing vital medical supplies to those in need. Read more

 

30 April 2021

Chuka University Plants 700,000 Trees in Two Years

In the last three two years, students and staff of Chuka University in Tharaka Nithi County have been on a mission to plant tree seedlings of species carefully selected according to the specific benefits they bring to the environment and the local populations. Read more

Education Ministry Changes Opening Dates for Colleges

The Ministry of Education headed by CS George Magoha has made changes to opening dates for colleges ahead of upcoming examinations in July. Read more

Face-to-Face Learning Suspended as Third Wave Hits

Kenya has suspended face-to-face learning in all educational institutions, including universities and tertiary and vocational colleges, except for students sitting for their examinations and those in medical training institutions. Read more

Five of Jacaranda School of Orphans Students Awarded Full Scholarships…

Jacaranda School of Orphans has become the first school in Malawi to be awarded full scholarships to five of its students to study Bachelor of degrees in prestigious African universities in Botswana, Kenya, Mauritius and Zimbabwe. Read more

Kenya’s Plan to Close Two Camps Worries Refugees

The Kenya Interior Ministry’s announcement last week of its intention to close two major camps has increased uncertainty for hundreds of thousands of refugees, leaving many of them distraught. Read more

Hasty Varsity Closures Too Painful for Students

Egerton University students in Njoro Nakuru county leaving the institution after the management directed them to vacate following the suspension of physical learning by the government as a measure to curb the spread of Covid-19… Read more

High Level Talks – Innovation in Higher Education

On 15 April 2021, MSM organized the second edition of the High-Level Talks, focusing on Innovation in Higher Education, and bringing together high-level leaders from Higher Education institutes in Ethiopia, Ghana, Jordan, Kenya and Uganda. Read more

IMF Pushes Kenya to Overhaul Three Top Institutions

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is urging Kenya to overhaul its three top public universities to save them from financial distress as part of the conditions of a US$2.34 billion loan to the East African country. Read more

Initiative Aims to Ease Credit Transfers

Under the auspices of the Kenya National Qualifications Authority, the East African country is implementing the RPL mechanism in a process that eventually will also ease harmonisation of foreign and local qualifications. Read more

Linking Scholarship to Sustainable Development…

The UNESCO UNITWIN Chair at the University of Nairobi and the Director of the Institute of Development Studies (UoN) will honour Emeritus Prof. Amb. Judith Mbula Bahemuka by convening a virtual forum entitled: “Linking Scholarship to Development” … Read more

Loans Board, Graduates in Standoff Over Repayments

The standoff between university graduates and Kenya’s Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) seems to have reached a new high, with the board seeking to frustrate a move by parliament to exempt unemployed graduates from paying their loans until they secure proper employment. Read more

PS Nabukwesi Lauds KCSE Candidates’ Conduct in Ongoing National Exams 

University Education and Research Principal Secretary Amb. Simon Nabukwesi has applauded the conduct of candidates during the ongoing Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams. Read more

Returning Home Armed with Skills: Journey for Improving Potato Production in Rwanda

Through different agricultural skills got in class and experimental research project findings, he looked back in his country the area for improvement and he come up with a proposal to contribute the improvement of potato production in Rwanda. Read more

School of Business Concludes Training of Trainers in Entrepreneurship…

The School of Business on Friday 16th April 2021 successfully concluded the ARUA EIMEC training of trainers in entrepreneurship and Innovation program.  The 12-days training brought about participants from universities in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Ghana, Sierra Leone, South Africa, and Nigeria. Read more

Strong Growth for University World News – Africa 

Web analytics for the Africa edition of University World News has confirmed a steep upward trajectory in readership traffic recorded since 2018, in part due to it becoming a weekly publication a year ago. Read more

Students May have Lawyers at Disciplinary Hearings

A high court in Kenya has allowed students at the University of Nairobi to be represented by lawyers in disciplinary cases, declaring that it was their legal right. Read more

Taxpayers Save Sh2.2bn After Deregistration of Overstay Varsity Students

More than 12,000 students who failed to finish their courses within the stipulated time in public universities have lost State funding in a move that will save taxpayers Sh2.2 billion. Read more

Thousands of Students Could be Deregistered

The studies of thousands of students are expected to be terminated following a decision by the Kenyan government to stop funding students who did not finish their degrees in the minimum time. Read more

Towards Achieving an Increased Agricultural Productivity and Farmer Income…

The agricultural industry in Malava Sub-County faces lots of challenges from various sources. Within the Sub-County is a huge potential for agricultural productivity which has been left untapped by farmers. Read more

University Helps Local Community to Fight the Coronavirus

Mount Kenya University, Rwanda, has taken on the mass-production of hand sanitisers for the use of its staff and students and for donation to local communities. Read more

University of Nairobi Prizes – Celebrating Academic Excellence

The prizes are in form of certificates, money, trophies and medals provided by donors to departments and faculties, schools and institutes to recognise and award top academic achievers amongst the student fraternity. Read more

VEFIRS Team Seals a Partnership with Andre Foods International

A partnership agreement was sealed … between the Andre Foods international (AFI) and the team of Vertical Farming in Refugees Setting dubbed “VEFIRS”, a team of five innovators and mission-driven African scholars… Read more

Why TVETs are Unable to Offer Lessons Online

Final year students in Technical and Vocational Education and Training institutes (TVETs) will be allowed to return to their campus to sit examinations scheduled for June. Read more

 

31 March 2021

Bid to Steer Universities Away from Certificate Courses Flops

A second attempt to stop universities from offering bridging, diploma and certificate courses has failed after the High Court dismissed a case that would have locked out learners from transitioning within the institutions. Read more

Concerns as Moi University Comrades Spend Days Without Food

Students, at the institution located in the outskirts of Eldoret Town, are going for days without food because they cannot afford it. Read more

E-Learning for Strengthening Educational Capacity in Sub-Saharan Africa

Based on the survey and the focus group discussions, the need for improving usage of digital platforms in bio-entrepreneurship education became evident. All partner HEIs (Higher Education Institutions) already do have online platforms in use, but equipment and software are often out of date or inadequate. Read more

Government Acknowledges Pace to Upgrade Tharaka University College

Principal Secretary State Department for university education and research Amb. Simon Nabukwesi observed this during his visit to the institution to assess the progress of construction of Government-sponsored development projects as well as other projects funded by the university. Read more

Kenya’s 10-year Master Plan for Science, Technology Parks Complete – PS

Principal Secretary State Department of University Education and Research Simon Nabukwesi on Monday said the ministry has developed designs for the pilot STPs at Konza Technopolis and Dedan Kimathi University of Science and Technology. Read more

Lecturers Ask to be Included in Phase 2 of Covid Vaccination

Geoffrey Muluvi, the vice chancellors committee chairman, said on Wednesday that they have initiated talks to have lecturers lined up as a priority group in the second phase. Read more

MPs Reject Making Master’s Degree a Must for KQ Boss

A key Parliamentary committee has rejected a demand in nationalisation of Kenya Airways that its chief executive officer must have a minimum of a master’s degree. Read more

PBL Skills for University Academic Faculty Across Sub-Saharan Africa

A new generation of skilled and entrepreneurial graduates becomes reality through reforming the curricula from subject-based to competence-based. Read more

Poor Web Presence Costing Varsities Revenue

A cursory search is enough to show that quite a number of Kenyan universities lack a vibrant and functional web presence to showcase their training and research. Read more

Students Worry About Jobs, Global Survey Shows

Kenyan university students are more concerned about access to quality jobs than their counterparts in most parts of the world, according to a global survey including nearly 17,000 students in 21 countries by Chegg.org, an American textbook rental and educational technology company. Read more

Taskforce Reports on the Effect of Reforms on TVET

A new report, Enhancing access, relevance, transition, equity and quality for effective curriculum reforms implementation, on the implementation of education reforms in Kenya recommends that universities rationalise all the programmes and courses they offer to ensure that they are adequately prepared for the admission of the first cohort …Read more

Thousands Locked Out of Teacher Training Colleges Over Grades

The new qualification requirements for admission into teacher training colleges have locked out thousands of Form Four leavers, the Nation has established. Read more

University of Nairobi & University of Helsinki Partnership

The University of Nairobi (UoN) and University of Helsinki (UH) have joined forces to forge a strategic partnership that will play a part in solving some of the most pressing challenges of our times which include the future of the planet, climate change, loss of biodiversity, the current pandemic and future pandemics. Read more

UoN Students to Participate in Open University-UK Research Project

Five students from University of Nairobi, Kenya, starting from March 2021 will be participating in a research project organized by the Open  University-UK  (approved by the OU Human Research Ethics Committee… Read more

Vihiga Disburses Sh138 Million to TVETs for Capitation

The Vihiga has released Sh138 million to Vocational Education and Training centers as capitation fee. The money is to sponsor learners in acquiring valuable skills at a fair cost. Read more

Where Kenya Beats UK, Russia in Tech Adoption

Kenya is among six African nations exhibiting strong capabilities to use frontier technologies compared to their low GDP per capita, a new study has disclosed. Read more

 

28 February 2021

Asharami Synergy Promotes Girls in Science Initiative in Kenya

According to the African Development Bank, less than 25 per cent of African higher education students are in Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM) fields, with majority of students studying social sciences and humanities. Read more

Chemistry Professor Wins Prestigious Award

A chemistry professor from Kenya, who has helped to improve the safety of drinking water and is actively working at school and university level to increase the number of women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, has been named a winner of the prestigious L’Oréal-UNESCO Women in Science Awards for Africa and the Arab States. Read more

Gloomy Financial Outlook After Government Slashes Budget

Kenyan universities are set for a tougher year ahead after the government slashed the higher education budget for the next financial year starting in July by US$120 million. Read more

Inside Govt’s New System in Mass Fake Certificates Crackdown

The government, through the Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA), has launched a new system for reporting cases of fake certificates as a country-wide crackdown on the forgeries commences. Read more

Majority of Universities Not Fit to Offer Virtual Learning

A majority of universities have not complied with accreditation requirements for their virtual learning programmes despite a mandatory stipulation that they acquire new accreditation before offering the courses through blended learning or via e-learning. Read more

Mt. Kenya University Becomes First University to Purchase Covid-19 Detecting Machine

Mt. Kenya University has intensified the war against Covid-19 by becoming the first institution to purchase a Real Time PCR machine, used for detecting Covid-19. Read more

RUFORUM Has Given Life Line to My PhD Journey

I was eager to further my studies in Environmental Science particularly in the field of wetlands but in a new environment. Thus, I secured an admission at the University of Nairobi to do my PhD in Hydrobiology. Read more

UoN Receives Donations Worth Kshs. 20M

The University of Nairobi (UoN) College of Health Sciences (CHS) is among three public health institutions that has benefited from a donation of medical equipment from the Republic of Hungary and the Republic of Slovenia. Read more

Universities Stare at Major Reforms as CBC Rolls Out

It is now clear that learners leaving senior secondary school, having pursued various pathways, will be enrolled in specialised fields at university level, which calls for improved infrastructure, staffing and revised courses. Read more

 

31 January 2021

Academic Giant Launches His Memoir at UoN

“It is a tough balance telling a story about your journey and what amounts to talking about yourself,” remarked Prof. Charles Okidi”. Read more

Digital Tool Set to Enhance Students’ Chances for Jobs

A new tool aimed at highlighting the range of skills acquired by students in African universities during their studies that could be shared with employers has been piloted in three East African higher learning institutions. Read more

HELB Issues Deadline to Students on Loan Application

The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) has issued a deadline for loan applications for first-year students in the Kenya Institute of Mass Communication (KIMC) and the Kenya School of Law… Read more

Kenyatta University Announces Reopening Dates

Kenyatta University has announced new reopening dates for its newly admitted and continuing students in line with the resumption of learning in January 2021. Read more

MKU Taps South African Don as Vice-Chancellor

Privately-owned Mount Kenya University (MKU) has tapped a South African don as its new vice-chancellor. Prof Deogratius Jaganyi takes over from Prof Stanley Waudo whose contract has expired having served as MKU vice-chancellor for 12 years. Read more

Mt Kenya University Takes Measures After Student Kills 4 Relatives

Mt Kenya University (MKU) has launched a fully-fledged program to support the youth in tackling mental health issues after one of their students was linked to murder. Read more

Safaricom Unveils Refurbished TVET Centre in Waithaka

Safaricom Foundation Wednesday officially opened a new and improved ICT enabled skills center at the Waithaka Vocational Training Centre in Nairobi. Read more

University of Nairobi Ranked Top University in East Africa

The University of Nairobi has been ranked the top institution in East Africa and 13 in Africa by a new Webometrics Ranking. Eight Kenyan universities made it to the top 200 list in the new ranking of universities in Africa released this week. Kenyatta University is third in Kenya and 40 in Africa. Read more

UoN Ranked Among Top 20 African Universities

Only eight Kenyan universities have made it to top 200 list in new ranking of universities in Africa. Read more

USIU-Africa Takes Part in Japan-Kenya Cultural Exchange Luncheon

The Embassy of Japan in Kenya recently celebrated their annual Japan-Kenya Cultural Exchange at the Japanese Ambassador’s Nairobi residence, and invited the University in addition to two professors from the University of Nairobi. Read more

USIU to Lay off 70 Staff Amid Declining Enrolment Numbers

About 70 members of staff at the United States International University – Africa (USIU-Africa) are set to lose their jobs in what the management terms a “staff rationalisation exercise”. This comes at a time when the institution is grappling with lower student enrolment and tough economic conditions. Read more

White-Collar Hustle a Growing Threat to Academic Integrity

Contractual plagiarism is on an upward trend because practitioners are able to bypass detection by text-matching software programmes such as Turnitin and other plagiarism-checkers, as well as the scrutiny of lecturers who grade academic papers, dissertations and theses. Read more

 

31 December 2020

8 in 10 Young Africans Want WIFI as a Fundamental Human Right

On Human Rights Day, a recently published pan-African survey of young people finds that the vast majority (78%) believe that access to Wi-Fi and Internet connectivity should be a fundamental human right, while over eight in ten (81%) indicated that it is “…technology that will change the fortunes of Africa”. Read more

One of the Toughest Things I Have Ever Had to Do…’

Africa Nazarene University in Nairobi had so many plans, goals and expectations for 2020, but then we knew nothing of the harsh reality that COVID-19 had in store for us. Read more

Delivering Improved Maize Seed Against All Odds

The close linkages it has maintained with partners such as National Agriculture Research Organization (NARO)’s National Crops Resources Research Institute (NaCCRI) and the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) have seen it acquire new hybrids for commercialization and production of early generation seed. Read more

Strengthening the Economic Empowerment of Women

The University of Nairobi and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation have launched the Women’s Economic Empowerment Hub. Dubbed the WEE Hub, the project will be a thought leader in producing cutting edge, innovative, rigorous, and accessible research which will contribute to the full realization of women’s economic empowerment in Kenya. Read more

University Fee Increment Should be Done in Consultation, Says Magoha

The CS on Thursday admitted there were discussions in parliament over the proposed increament but the executive is yet to sit and debate the matter. Read more

University at Konza to Admit its First Students in 2023

Construction of the ultra-modern Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) at the Konza Technopolis will be completed in 2022 and will admit its first students the following year, the PS for University Education and Research, Simon Nabukwesi, has announced. Read more

Universities Working Hard to Keep Covid-19 At Bay 

Cases of Covid-19 at institutions of higher learning continue to surge as the pandemic spreads across the country. Read more

UoN Awarded for Excellent Global Partnership

University of Nairobi was officially handed over a trophy for the award of Huawei Outstanding Partner award. The awardees were officially announced on September 22 2020 at the Huawei Partner’s Night during the virtual HUAWEI 2020 CONNECT EVENT held in Beijing, China. Read more

UoN Scholar Wins Top WTO Award

School of Economics Scholar, Socrates Majune, has won a top award by the World Trade Organization (WTO) after his policy paper emerged best among dozens drawn from around the world. Read more

USIU-Africa Launches the First Ever Fully Online Degree Program…

The United States International University-Africa launched the Online Master of Business Administration (MBA), making it the first Online MBA in Kenya and the region accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE) and the United States of America (USA) by WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). Read more

Varsity Students Protest Helb Cuts and Fee Increase

University of Nairobi students have held demonstrations in the city to protest the slashing of their loans. The Higher Education Loans Board (Helb) reduced the average funding allocation to students by Sh8,000 to Sh37,000 citing effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. Read more

UNESCO Addresses Societal Inequalities and Economic Impacts of COVID-19 in Nine Sub-Saharan African Cities

Moderated by Simona Bignami, Professor of Demography at the Université de Montréal, the webinar welcomed more than 100 participants from around the world. In Sub-Saharan Africa, the pandemic triggered severe economic and social contractions, magnifying the long-standing legacies of prejudice, injustice, and increasing inequalities of our societies. Read more

 

30 November 2020

American Football Joins other Sporting Codes at Kenyan Varsities

American football, commonly recognised by many as the NFL or National Football League, as well as baseball, are among the top five most lucrative sports played – but are, unfortunately for those who may want to participate in these codes, almost exclusively practised in the United States, Central and South America. Read more

Broke Varsities Meet MPs to Resolve Sh2.2b Pay Dispute

The row over the Sh2.2 billion universities staff salary increment returns to Parliament next week when vice chancellors will meet MPs over the funding crisis. Read more

Refugee Students to Benefit from UoN, UNHCR and WIK Partnership

University of Nairobi refugee students are set to benefit from the DAFI Scholarship Program as a result of the partnership between the institution, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and Windle International Kenya (WIK). Read more

Scientists at NACOSTI Workshop Urged to Collaborate on COVID-19 Research

Speaking at the end of a three-day symposium in Mombasa County, Nabukwesi said scientists have a key role to play in improving lives and encouraged more researchers to prioritize research areas that can improve the country’s economy and social economic standards of Kenyans. Read more

Student Housing Plan in Jeopardy as Private Funding Falters

Kenya’s bid to build hundreds of new hostels for university students with the support of the private sector has slowed down due to falling investor interest, throwing into jeopardy the plan that was meant to lift the country’s education quality credentials. Read more

Universities Want to Double Tuition Fees from Next Year

Kenya has revived plans to increase fees for students enrolled at public universities from next year. Private institutions are considering similar plans, spelling doom for students who could be paying at least double the current charges next year. Read more

Varsities Now Told to Ensure Online Classes are Credible

To safeguard quality and standards in online lessons in universities, CUE has now released a self-assessment tool for all institutions of higher learning. Read more

 

31 October 2020

Gambling Students Go to Virtual Las Vegas, not the Library

Mobile smartphones have emerged as the gambling tools of choice among university students in Kenya, who frequently engage in English Premier League (EPL) football betting, according to a study by Fabio Ogachi, a lecturer at Kenyatta University. Read more

IT Students Accused of Hacking and Stealing from Bank

Two information technology (IT) students from Kenya’s Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) appeared in court after allegedly hacking into a local bank, stealing KES24.4 million (US$224,150) and attempting to defraud it of another KES190.7 million. Read more

Lockdown Pregnancies Thwart Post-School Study Dreams

Final-year high school student Alice Njeri, who lives in a small estate, Fedha, in Nairobi County, fell pregnant earlier this year, soon after the implementation of the COVID-19 lockdown which closed all schools and universities. As a result, she is only likely to follow her plan to enroll in tertiary studies next year. Read more

Online Learning’s Ethical and Human Rights Challenges

The shift to online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic has confronted higher education institutions with ethical and human rights challenges. Read more

President Hails Innovativeness of Science Heroes

If Mashujaa Day is indeed meant to celebrate heroes, then Roy Allela certainly stepped up for his niece and the estimated 466 million – 34 million of them children – who experience debilitating hearing loss, according to the World Health Organization. Read more

Schools Reopen in Kenya, Rwanda, DR Congo

The reopening of schools in Rwanda followed an assessment done in September by the Education Ministry in partnership with the Higher Education Council which inspected 29 universities and other higher education institutions to ascertain their readiness. Read more

Two University Students on the Dock Over Electronic Fraud

 Anthony Mwangi and Ann Wambui, who are students at the Jommo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, are accused of links to an electronic fraud syndicate. Read more

 

30 September 2020

Employers Urged to Shift Focus on Technical Institution Graduates

Skills imparted by Technical Vocational Educational Training Institutions (TVET) will be critical in propelling Kenya to new industrialized status by 2030 and creating opportunities for self-employment. Read more

Government Mulls New Public University Funding Model

The Kenyan government is looking at overhauling the current funding model for public universities in a move that could see tuition fees increased, lecturer pay hinged on performance, and staff numbers slashed. Read more

Government Seeks Alternatives to HE Merger Plans

The Kenyan government appears to have abandoned plans to merge university funding systems, a move that would have brought three key agencies under one roof and was aimed at improving quality and efficiency in the system. Read more

KNQA Commences 5-day Assessment of Mt Kenya University

Inspectors from the Kenya National Qualification Authority have camped at Mount Kenya University for a 5-day assessment of the institution. Read more

KU DONS Win KSH20M Collaborative Research Grant on Digital Health

Kenyatta University dons recently won a research grant on digital health. The grant amounting to about £140,000 (Ksh19.8M) was awarded to a team of researchers from Kenyatta University… Read more

PS Urges University Students to Keep Off Crime

Principal Secretary University Education and Research, Simon Nabukwesi has asked university students to shun radicalisation because it will ruin their academic lives. Read more

Research Target at Risk Over Moribund Model

Kenya risks missing out on its target to set aside 2% of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) for scientific research in the long term, the universities regulator has warned, arguing that the current fundraising and distribution model needs to be reviewed. Read more

South-South Partnership to Boost African Research Capacity

A new partnership between South Africa’s University of Pretoria and the Kenya-headquartered Partnership for African Social Governance Research (PASGR) will boost capacity-building, especially for postgraduate students and early- to mid-career researchers in Africa. Read more

UASU Win as Court Stops Varsities from Slashing Staff Salaries

The High Court has barred public varsities from cutting salaries of over 10,000 lecturers pending the determination of a case filed by the University Academic Staff Union (Uasu). Read more

University Body Moves to Ensure Quality of Remote Learning

As the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic highlight the importance of open, distance and e-learning (ODeL) in the delivery of higher education programmes the world over, Kenya’s university regulator has issued guidelines … Read more

Universities to Reopen for In-Person Learning From October 5

The Ministry of Education gave clearance for resumption of in-person learning in tertiary institutions on Tuesday with priority given to final year university students who are expected to report back on Monday, October 5. Read more

 

30 August 2020

Advancing Quality and Sustainable Higher Education

Academic institutions worldwide have been forced to adapt in the midst of the COVID -19 pandemic. The global pandemic has placed higher education institutions on an unfamiliar path to balance the continuity of learning and the safety of students and staff. Read more

Capacity of Africa’s Science Granting Councils in Research Management

Africa faces some of the world’s greatest development challenges and its research capacity is not yet sufficient to meet them. Improving research management within institutions is crucial, if research and innovation is to underpin social and economic development in Africa. Read more

Egerton University Rolls Out Online Lectures

Egerton University has embarked on upgrading its digital infrastructure to enable its over 50,000 students continue with their academic programs in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic. Read more

Entrepreneurship in a Pandemic Situation: Taking Opportunities and Realigning for the Future.

…Dialogue on entrepreneurship and opportunities for the future, is a key thrust and core to our primary stakeholders and partners alike. Read more

Final-Year Medical Students Ordered to Return to Class

Universities may be inching closer to a partial opening after Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) ordered final-year students to return to class and sit examinations, write Saada Hassan and Augustine Oduor for The Standard. Read more

Huawei Kenya Launches Online UniTech Talk Lecture Series on Latest Technologies

Huawei Kenya has launched their new initiative UniTech Talk a regular lecture series for University lecturers, students and tech enthusiasts to share the latest technologies, industry trends, development policies and insights. Read more

MKU, German Varsity Offer Scholarships to Post-Graduate Students

Mount Kenya University (MKU) in collaboration with a Liepzig University is offering students pursuing Masters degrees in Kenya and PhD graduates involved in research part-funding to support their projects. Read more

Only Two Varsities Have Met Covid-19 Class Rules

Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha (pictured) said Strathmore University and Mount Kenya University (MKU) have instituted necessary changes, re-engineered their physical spaces and adopted blended teaching to allow resumption of learning. Read more

Universities Partial Reopening Starts as Medical Students Ordered to Class

In a circular to university deans of school of medicine, KMPDC Chief Executive Officer Daniel Yumbya wants urgent measures put in place to allow the students undertake mandatory clinical examinations. Read more

UoN and BASF Collaborate to Support COVID-19 Efforts

The University of Nairobi through the Department of Chemistry has collaborated with BASF, one of the world’s leading chemical companies, to produce a handwash that will be distributed for free in urgent need areas as part of the company’s global “Helping Hands” initiative. Read more

UoN Don Receives Carnegie African Diaspora Fellowship

Prof. Iribe Mwangi, the Chairman, Department of Kiswahili and Prof. Mungai Mutonya of Washington University in St. Louis, have been awarded the prestigious Carnegie African Diaspora Fellowship. Read more

Vice-Chancellor and Staff Charged with Embezzlement

Professor Mary Walingo, the vice-chancellor of Maasai Mara University in Kenya, and four other suspects were on 26 August arrested and arraigned before a senior magistrate in Nakuru, 170 km north-west of Nairobi, on allegations of embezzlement of funds amounting to US$1.6 million. Read more

Why Kenya’s Decision to Appoint ‘Corporate’ Chancellors Won’t Fix Universities

The choice of chancellors appointed to head universities is a good indicator of the direction in which the state seeks to steer its institutions. It can foster or erode autonomy and shared decision-making. Read more

 

31 July 2020

After Lockdown, University Takes Student Counselling Online

When teaching and learning activities moved online at the United States International University-Africa (USIU-Africa), so did student counselling services, which are continuing to reach out and support students through what is known as ‘teletherapy’. Read more

COVID-19 – Managing the Risk to Older University Staff Members

As higher education learning institutions in Kenya prepare to resume activities in September, they are also having to take into account the fact that increased vulnerability to COVID-19 may pose a challenge for some of their older staff members. Read more

Elimika Youth Programme Response to CoronaVirus (COVID-19) Pandemic…

At moments of distress, the call to renew hope in our nation, families, comrades and friends is critical. Read more

First    Public University Cleared to Open Next Month

After months of uncertainty and speculation, Chuka University is set to be the first public university in Kenya to open its doors to final-year students amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Read more

In Africa, An Open Internet Standards Course for Universities

Seventy university students from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Ethiopia, Kenya, and Ghana gained insights into open Internet standards. Read more

Kenya Follows an 8-4-4 System and Students Currently at the Tail End of Their Studies…

Kenya announces all national exams canceled as schools remain closed till 2021. Read more

Kenyan Schools to Remain Closed Until 2021

But colleges and universities are to reopen in September if they abide by strict guidelines. Read more

Law Students Approach Courts to Challenge Online Exams

Eighty law students of Kenya’s University of Nairobi have gone to court challenging the use of online learning platforms for classes and scheduled examinations in response to the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. Read more

Marketisation has Failed as an Easy Antidote to HE Problems

Marketisation of higher education in Sub-Saharan Africa, a model that two decades ago was borrowed from Uganda’s Makerere University to save public universities from resource starvation, is no longer a quiet revolution but a ring of jingle bells announcing academic distress. Read more

Phased Reopening of Universities to Start in September

Kenya is to implement a phased reopening of universities from September under strict guidelines, ending a four-month closure occasioned by the coronavirus pandemic. Read more

…Town Hall Webinars on COVID-19 and Healthcare Related Issues

Strathmore University Medical Centre and Community Service Centre will host a series of town hall webinars from June-July 2020 focusing on COVID-19 healthcare-related issues. Read more

Why Kenya’s Decision to Appoint ‘Corporate’ Chancellors Won’t Fix Universities

The choice of chancellors appointed to head universities is a good indicator of the direction in which the state seeks to steer its institutions. Read more

 

30 June 2020

Decentralised Learning Offers a Silver Lining to COVID-19

Since the arrival of COVID-19 and the consequent closure of colleges and universities, learning is gradually moving online. Many higher institutions of learning in Kenya are doing whatever they can to build an online learning culture among students and faculty. Read more

Faculty from the School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences Receive NRF Grant…

Two members of faculty from the School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences together with their collaborators have received grants from the National Research Fund (NRF) to advance their research. Read more

Government Cuts Universities Budget by 26%

Kenya has slashed funding to its public universities by US$400 million in the coming financial year which begins on 1 July as the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic continue to bite the East African economy. Read more

Half a Million Miss Out on Sponsored University Slots

Over half a million learners in Kenya have missed out when it comes to securing the highly sought-after government-sponsored university slots in an admission cycle that has exposed areas of concern in the higher education sector. Read more

More Students opt to Enroll at Private Universities

For three years in a row, student enrolments have decreased in public universities while private universities enrolments have risen, according to a recent report from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics. Read more

Sport Scholarship Students Suffer Under COVID-19 Lockdown

On 2 June Winnie Kosgei, a Kenyan marathon runner, helped to pioneer a new form of virtual race that allows athletes to compete against each other without having to be physically in the same area. Read more

Universities Cry Foul Over Government Funding Model

Kenyan public university administrators are pushing for a review of the model the government uses to fund the institutions to save them from a crippling financial crisis. Read more

Universities to Stay Closed for Now – Minister

Kenyan educational institutions including universities will remain closed until the COVID-19 pandemic is brought under control, according to Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha. Read more

University, Students in Standoff Over Online Exams

A decision by Kenya’s University of Nairobi (UON) to administer exams online to mitigate the impact of closure as a result of COVID-19 has resulted in a standoff between students and the university management. Read more

USIU-Africa’s Social Media Lab Hosts Webinar on Fake News on Social Media…

USIU-Africa’s Social Media Lab recently hosted a webinar tackling fake news on social media in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more

 

31 May 2020

Bleak Future for Graduates as Employers Get Picky

A survey shows that nearly half of Kenyan employers are dissatisfied with the skills level of university leavers joining the job market. This means that while thousands graduate each year, their qualifications are no guarantee of a job as employers opt for highly skilled employees who are in over-supply in the market and shun new graduates. Read more

Court Stops Universities from Cutting Staff Salaries

An employment court in Nairobi, Kenya, has barred two public universities from cutting workers’ salaries pending the hearing and determination of a case filed by the Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU). Read more

COVID-19 – Fueling a Crisis Already in the Making

Half a million university students in Kenya are among the approximately 220 million higher education students around the world whose learning has been disrupted by forced closures of universities occasioned by COVID-19. Read more

e-Learning in Public Universities – The Only Way is Forwards

The fact that most of our Kenyan public universities seem to have been caught unawares by the COVID-19 pandemic can be forgiven. What cannot be forgiven is their inability to quickly adapt . After all, it is in universities where people study complex doctrines of agile risk management and change strategies. Read more

Iran in Bid to Set Up Nanoscience Hub in Nairobi

Iran is bidding to set up a nanoscience and nanotechnology centre in Kenya, setting up Nairobi at the centre of global innovations. Read more

Helb Releases Sh7.6bn in Loans for Varsity Students

About 196,613 students currently admitted to public and private universities can now apply for Sh7.6 billion students loan, Higher Education Loans Board (Helb) has announced. Read more

Kenyans Urged to Embrace Virtual Learning

The UoN Vice Chancellor, Prof. Stephen Kiama who was one of the panelists expressed his hope of tertiary institutions fully adopting virtual learning, ‘We are using this time to see whether tertiary institutions can adopt virtual learning completely. Read more

Moving Online Huge Challenge for Kenya’s Higher Education

For over a decade Kenya has made moves towards e-learning for university students. This is all the more important now, as universities have closed indefinitely due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more

Research Grant Allocations Restore Faith in Fledgling Agency

It is three years since the call for applications was made, but Kenya’s National Research Fund (NRF) has finally announced the recipients of its second round of research grants, giving the nascent agency a much-needed lifeline. Read more

University to Conduct Online Defence of Research Theses

Online learning during the COVID-19 lockdown has had its challenges for universities, but one institution is not giving up, announcing that the defence of masters and PhD research theses are to be conducted online. Read more

University Keeps the Ball Rolling

In the midst of this global pandemic, most organizations have sought different ways of business continuity. The University of Nairobi has been on the forefront in research in different capacities and online teaching and learning. Read more

 

30 April 2020

Extension Workers Trained on Improved Agronomic Practices, Gender and Weed Control

At least 40 extension workers drawn from different local governments in the state took part in the two-day theory and practical training sessions held at the Enugu State Cooperative College, Enugu. Read more

Refugee Students Lead Resistance to Virus in Their Camp

Kakuma Refugee Camp in north western Kenya often makes headlines for the wrong reasons. As one of the biggest refugee camps in the world, its population expands whenever a new conflict arises in troubled East Africa and refugees flee to the relative safety of neighbouring Kenya. Read more

School of Law Joins Global Campus of Human Rights

The Global Campus of Human Rights is an EU-funded global network of universities based on cooperation between the European Inter-University Centre for Human Rights and Democratisation (EIUC) and seven regional programmes. Read more

University Examinations – A Question of Means

While some African universities are forging ahead with end-of-semester exams using alternative online methods, others are still considering their options. At the root of the issue are resources and preparedness. Read more

Universities Face Multiple Challenges in Wake of COVID-19 Closures

Kenya’s shuttered universities face the twin challenge of rolling out online learning for thousands of students and finding money to pay salaries and meet their financial obligations at a time when major revenue streams are shut. Read more

University of Law Ranked Number One for Law Acceptances by UCAS

UCAS have announced a record number of undergraduate law students accepted places at the University of Law for its 2019 intake. Read more

UoN’s Science Park Innovates Ventilator with Partners

In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, Science & Technology Park, University of Nairobi (UoN) is collaborating with a team at University of Cambridge (CAM) to develop an oxygen concentrator and ventilator. Read more

WHO, WTO to Jointly Work on COVID-19

COVID-19 has rapidly progressed to become a global pandemic, causing unprecedented, far-reaching impact on the health, social and economic well-being of communities around the world. Read more

 

31 March 2020

21 Kenyan Graduates Who Studied in Uganda Directed to Repeat High School

Twenty-one (21) university graduates in Kenya have been directed to repeat secondary school for prerequisite qualifications before joining the only bar school in Kenya according to local media. Read more

Contact Learning in Universities Suspended, Students Sent Home

Face-to-face learning in all universities in Kenya will be suspended over the coronavirus disease from 20 March until further notice. Read more

COVID-19: Immune System Plays Key Role in Recovery

Dr. Loice Anyango, a senior lecturer in the Department of Clinical Medicine and Therapeutics at the University of Nairobi and Head of Infectious Disease Unit at Kenyatta National Hospital alludes the recovery from the disease to ones immune system. Read more

Dr. Franz Kogelmann, the Managing Director, Africa Multiple Cluster of Excellence, University of Bayreuth (Germany) Pays a Courtesy Call to the Office of the Vice-Chancellor

Moi University was selected by the University of Bayreuth as one of four (4) African Cluster Centres of Excellence in African Studies to be funded by the German Federal Government. Read more

Rioting University of Nairobi Students Torch Hostels

University of Nairobi students in Kenya went on the rampage last Monday evening, setting fire to an abandoned hostel, to protest the death of a fellow student. Read more

School of Science and Technology Hosts the Annual Hackathon and Innovation Day

The School of Science and Technology held its fifth annual Hackathon and Innovation day with the theme being ‘Bridging the gap between the Talent and Industry. Read more

Students Worry About Delays to Their Studies

Following the suspension of contact classes in Kenya, some universities have made provision for remote teaching and learning to ensure that students complete the remaining semester as scheduled, but students have expressed concern about potential delays to their studies. Read more

The Office of Gender Equity and Protection Conducts Sexual Harassment Training for Staff, Students and Faculty

A training was held for the faculty and staff members of the School of Science and Technology, School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences and the School of Communication, Cinematic and Creative Arts, in order to create awareness of the University’s Sexual Harassment Policy… Read more

University of Nairobi Lecturer Accused of Leaking Law Exams

The University of Nairobi in Kenya has set up a committee to investigate claims that a law lecturer leaked end of semester examinations to a third-year student who shared them with a section of his classmates. Read more

Varsities Face Salaries Crisis Amid Covid-19

Universities are staring at a salary crisis as the learning lockdown continues due to the coronavirus pandemic sweeping the globe. Read more

 

29 February 2020

Arap Moi – Higher Education Champion Who Suppressed Dissent

At the time Moi succeeded Jomo Kenyatta in 1978, the University of Nairobi was the only fully-fledged university in the country, with its two constituent colleges Kenyatta University College and Egerton College, and with a total enrolment of 7,000 students. Read more

COVID-19 – Kenya, Ghana and South Africa Students Stay Put

While nations around the world, including Algeria and some of its North African neighbours, have moved to evacuate their citizens from the Chinese city of Wuhan, the epicentre of the deadly coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, students from other African regions remain trapped in universities with no immediate evacuation plans. Read more

Kenya University’s Rape Memo Sparks Anger

A top Kenyan university has apologised after blaming “reckless” female students for becoming victims of rape. Read more

Going Green: Inter-University Engineering Students Symposium

Engineering students have been challenged to come up with solutions to climate change and exchange ideas with leading innovators in the world, Israel. Read more

Sensitization Workshop for Moi University Incubation Team and University Management

The sensitization workshop for Moi University Business Incubation team is underway… Read more

State Visit Sheds Little Light on Stalled University Project

Hopes that this week’s visit to Kenya by German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier would provide some insight into progress towards the establishment of the long-awaited East African-German University of Applied Sciences (EA-GUAS) remain largely unfulfilled. Read more

Struggling University Seeks Commercial Loan to Boost Finances

Kenyatta University, Kenya’s biggest institution by student numbers, has turned to commercial lenders to fund its operations, exposing the worsening financial condition of the country’s public universities. Read more

 Universities Urged to Lead in Sustainable Youth-Centered Projects

There are 6 Million jobless youth in the villages in Kenya and according to the trends this number will double in a few years.  Governments, private sector and universities are all grappling with the issue of the rising number of youth unemployment/ graduate unemployment in different parts of the globe. Read more

UoN to Establish a Disability Centre

“It is high time that the University of Nairobi institutionalizes its approach on how to cater to the needs of Persons living with disability (PWDs) through a disability centre. The centre  will be a first point of contact for PWDs… Read more

UoN to Launch an International Research Project on Diaspora Humanitarianism…

The University of Nairobi, the Danish Institute for International Studies (DIIS), the Rift Valley Institute (RVI), and Rako Research and Communication Centre based in Hargeisa, Somaliland, will launch a collaborative research project on… Read more

UoN Ranked 7^th in Africa 2020

University of Nairobi has been ranked 7 among the top 10 universities in Africa in 2020 by the African Exponent. Read more

31 January 2020

Agroforestry Improves Lives of Poor Farmers in Kenya

Scientists from World Agroforestry (ICRAF) have found modest, yet statistically significant, improvements in the livelihoods of farmers involved with an agroforestry-development program in Kenya. Read more

Cartels Cash in on Gaps ‘to Sell Marks to Students’

Extortion rings within university administration, vengeance by disaffected lecturers, combined with dishonesty by crooked students to cover up for their sloth have given rise to cases of learners failing to graduate in Kenya. Read more

Ecofriendly Wastewater Treatment Using Automated Solar Powered Electrolysis Cells

Brian Omaanya an undergraduate student at the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering is soaring high with an eco-friendly waste water treatment innovation. Read more

Elimika Empowering Youth Leaders

Young people have been challenged to work on their soft skills such as emotional intelligence and personal development even as they endeavour to seek opportunities in the market place. Read more

GIS Lab to be Set Up

GIS offers a powerful decision-making toolkit that can be used in educational administration, educational policy and teaching… To keep up with these technologies, the University of Nairobi is in talks with Esri Eastern Africa to set up a GIS Laboratory at the Wangari Maathai Institute. Read more

Lecturers Retirement Age Dispute Moves to Court

The row over university lecturers’ retirement age has now moved to the Labour court, with workers accusing their employers of double speak on the matter. Read more

Transforming Core Skills in University Curricula

There can be a disconnect between how students are taught in universities and the skills they will need in the workplace and in wider roles in society. Read more

Uasu Seeks to Join UoN VC Case to Ensure Fairness

The Universities Academic Staff Union (Uasu) has applied to join the case on the leadership dispute at the University of Nairobi. Read more

Universities and the Fourth Industrial Revolution

“The Fourth Industrial Revolution is going to yield new products and services for universities. It is expected to raise standards of living,” says Prof. Ernest Aryeetey, Secretary-General, African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA). “The Revolution will change the way we do things including research and teaching.” Read more

Universities Get More Funding, But Fee Hike Still Possible

Kenya’s government has raised its funding to public universities for the next financial year by 33%, marking the biggest increment in the past five years, but they are by no means out of the woods. Read more

VC Kiama Promises to Reform Student Services

University of Nairobi Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Stephen Gitahi Kiama, has cautioned first years against wasting their time while in campus. He challenged them to use their time wisely while in campus. Read more 

31 December 2019

Commission to Regulate Journals Published by Universities

Kenya’s Commission for University Education (CUE) is developing criteria according to which it will evaluate academic journals produced by universities, in what it says is a step towards regulating publications and ensuring their quality. Read more

Government Invests Heavily in Technical Training to Woo More Youth

The Government through the Ministry of Education has reiterated its commitment towards ensuring quality education in technical and vocation training institutes across the country to attract more learners and make it labour market-responsive. Read more

H.E. Dr. Ruto Hails Mak Over New Leadership Institute

The Deputy President of Kenya, H.E. Dr. William Samoei Ruto, has lauded Makerere University for championing the setting up of Leadership Institute named after him that will inspire students to become great leaders. Read more

IT Students Get Glimpse into the Tech World Through Engagements with Industry Leaders

The IT Club recently visited IBM Kenya offices where they underwent training on various facets of the ICT sector. Read more

KNUT Members in the Cold in TSC’s New Promotions

Teachers across the country have received a major reprieve after their employer, the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), dropped a controversial requirement that those holding administrative positions must have a master’s degree for secondary and an undergraduate degree for primary schools. Read more

Mount Kenya University Bids Farewell to its Founding VC Prof. Stanley Waudo

Mount Kenya University (MKU) has bid farewell to its founding Vice chancellor Prof. Stanley Waudo after serving at the institution for the last 11 years. Read more

Sex for Grades Rife in Universities – ActionAid Study

One in two female students and one in four male students in Kenyan institutions of higher learning are sexually harassed, according to a study by ActionAid Kenya. Read more

University of Reading Announce new Life Science Programmes

The University of Reading have announced a number of exciting new Life Science programmes which are available for September 2020 entry. Read more

30 November 2019

Government Budget Cuts Force Change in Universities’ Model

Government cuts to budgets have meant that, instead of focusing on key roles of teaching and research, African universities have followed a neoliberal model based largely on income generation. Read more

Kenyans Rage Against Police Brutality After Beating Video

Four policemen can be seen hitting him with a stick and stamping on his head, before he is led away during a protest at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology. Read more

Moi University Becomes UNESCO Chair on Enterprise Management and Sustainability

Moi University is proud to have been selected to be the UNESCO Chair on Enterprise Management and Sustainability. Read more

Scientists train farmers Cassava Weed Management

Dr Alfred Dixon, IITA Director for Development & Delivery described the toolkit as an innovation that combines a set of agronomic recommendations and plant protection products to control weeds and increase the productivity of cassava. Read more

Student Loans Body Threatens to Name and Shame Defaulters

Kenya’s Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) has vowed to publish the names and pictures of up to 85,000 former university students, dating back to 1975, who have defaulted on their loan repayment. Read more

The University of Nairobi joined Action Aid Kenya 

The University of Nairobi joined Action Aid Kenya and UN women in the launch of a campaign against Sexual harassment in Higher learning institutions. Read more

Uncertain Future for Lucrative Parallel Degree Programme

The University of Nairobi, Kenya’s second largest by student numbers, is struggling to keep the once lucrative parallel degree programme afloat as it continues to suffer from dwindling admission numbers. Read more

Universities and the Fourth Industrial Revolution

The rate, depth and breadth of the likely transformations promise to be breath-taking and disruptive to all industries everywhere, especially for their production systems, management as well as governance. Read more

USIU-Africa Hosts Academic Symposium to Celebrate 50 Years of Academic Excellence

The USIU-Africa community took part in an Academic Symposium which celebrated 50 years of Academic Excellence at USIU-Africa. Read more

USIU-Africa Hosts Model African Union Mock Debate

USIU-Africa hosted the Model African Union mock debate at the Auditorium. Themed “The Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA0:… Read more

Visit by Delegation from Helwan University, Egypt

The visitors from Helwan University, Egypt, arrived Moi University, on the 4^th of November 2019 received by Prof. Charles Lagat (Director, International Programmes, Linkages & Alumni),… Read more

31 October 2019

Needy Students Receive Kshs. 25 M Scholarships from Rattansi Trust

Selected needy students from private and public universities and the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) received a big boost towards their education after Rattansi Education Trust donated Kshs. 25 million towards their education. Read more

Over 900 Delegates Expected at Research Week 2019

This year’s edition of the Research Week kicked off today, October 22, 2019 with the four out of 13 conferences commencing their activities. Read more

Tax Authority Freezes University Accounts Over Arrears

The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has frozen the accounts of 11 public universities over KES9.7 billion (US$93 million) in tax arrears in a move likely to cripple the operations of the public learning institutions, some which have been struggling financially. Read more

The Power of the Purse Threatens Academic Freedom in Kenya’s Universities

Academic freedom is the right enjoyed by university teachers to teach, research and write in their areas of expertise without fear of retribution by institutional powers or political authorities. Read more

UON to Forge Research Partnership with China-Africa Institute

The University of Nairobi and the China-Africa Institute, China, have entered into discussions on possible areas of collaboration. Read more

University Hostel Plan Part of Bid to Woo Foreign Students

The University of Nairobi – Kenya’s second largest by student numbers – is seeking fresh funds to build new student hostels targeted at international learners. Read more

30 September 2019

22 UoN Students Flagged off to France for an Exchange program

22 University of Nairobi students are among 60 Kenyan students that are going to France as the first cohort through a program under the MoU that was signed between the government of Kenya and France to enhance mobility. Read more

Government Probes Irregular University Procurement Deals

Several public universities in Kenya are locked in a probe over US$30 million in questionable supplies as the country battles rising cases of financial impropriety in the institutions. Read more

International HE Partnership Cracks Drought Debt Problem

Researchers from the University of Greenwich in the United Kingdom in partnership with the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) have created a first of its kind credit scheme to cushion smallholder farmers in Kenya’s dryland areas from frequent droughts. Read more

New Student Hostels to be Funded Through Green Bond

Kenya has given the go-ahead to global private equity fund Helios to raise a US$500 million green bond to fund the construction of hundreds of student hostels. Read more

UoN Celebrates CARTA for Staff Development Initiatives

The University of Nairobi has appreciated the efforts made by CARTA in helping both academic and administrative staff in their career development endevours. Read more

31 August 2019

Court Blocks University Merger Plan, Calls for Consultation

A court has stopped the planned merger of some state universities in Kenya, sending the government back to the drawing board over its controversial proposal to reform the education sector. Read more

Institutions Partner to Offer Future-Ready Programmes

Riara University in Kenya has signed a memorandum of understanding with global IT training brand NIIT to offer future-ready programmes in digital marketing and big data analysis to the Kenyan market. Read more

Over 100 PhDs Face Review in Single University

Kenya’s Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) has defended as “meritoriously earned” its doctoral degrees awarded over the past year – despite a recent report by the regulator highlighting inadequate supervision and other irregularities which has thrown the validity of up to 118 PhDs into doubt. Read more

Universities Meet to Lay Ground for New Curriculum

As the Competency Based Curriculum (CBC) takes root at the basic level in Kenya, deans of education faculties has met to discuss the space for universities in the ongoing education reforms as they gear up to train teachers who will receive the products of CBC…. Read more 

University of Nairobi is Working on Artificial Intelligence Lab

University of Nairobi is in talks with UBtech, a leading Artificial Intelligence robotics company from China on the possibility of building Artificial Intelligence, AI Lab. Read more

Universities on Collision Course with Government over Reforms

University administrators in Kenya have rejected a series of drastic proposals by the education cabinet secretary which, if effected, would change the face of the university sector. Read more

31 July 2019

Garissa University Attack: Tanzanian and Kenyans Get Long Sentences

A court in Kenya has sentenced a militant Islamist to life in prison for his role in the 2015 Garissa University College attack, which left 148 people dead. Read more

JKUAT Graduates Risk Losing PhD Degrees

Hundreds of PhD graduates from Jomo Kenyatta University of Science and Technology are at risk of having their degrees recalled after a government investigation revealed glaring anomalies in the processes leading to graduation. Read more

Mergers, Overhauls and Job Cuts on the Cards in New Reforms

Job cuts and the overhaul of university courses are in the offing as the Kenyan government rolls out radical reforms which anticipate the mergers of some universities and campuses to leave the country with fewer institutions that are better staffed and has adequate facilities. Read more

Technological Innovations – A key to Reaching Students

African universities need to “run faster in innovating technologies to compete globally”, according to Professor Crispus Kiamba, former permanent secretary in the Ministry of Higher Education. Read more

Trinity College President Shares Insights on Entrepreneurship

The President and Provost, Dr. Patrick Prendergast, who is a Professor of Engineering at Trinity College Dublin urged students to explore the daily challenges of their campus life and turn the ideas into business opportunities. Read more

University of Nairobi Council Rejects VC’s Bid for Second Term

The University of Nairobi Council on Wednesday rejected a bid by incumbent Vice-Chancellor Professor Peter Mbithi for a second term in office, and has resolved to send him on terminal leave with effect from 6 July. Read more

University Graduates Showcase Abundant Innovation Talent

The recent Nairobi Innovation Week saw government officials, diplomats and representatives from UN agencies committing their support to tech innovators and start-up entrepreneurs as a way to create employment and business opportunities for graduates in Kenya. Read more

USIU-Africa Takes Home Top Awards at the 7 Day Film Festival

Two productions by USIU-Africa’s Cinematic Arts’ Department have won the top prizes during this year’s edition of the 7 Day Film Festival. Read more

30 June 2019

Cal Poly Choral Conductor and Students to Travel to Kenya in July

Scott Glysson, Cal Poly director of choral activities, will travel to Kenya from July 1-8 to lead a choral conducting workshop in Nairobi at the invitation of the Kenyan government and Kenyatta University. Read more

Garissa University Attack: Three Convicted over Kenya Massacre

Rashid Charles Mberesero, Mohamed Ali Abikar and Hassan Edin Hassan were found guilty of conspiracy to commit the attack in which four gunmen killed 148 people, mainly students. Read more

How Jkuat Flouted Rules in Award of 118 PhDs

Fresh details have emerged on the 118 doctorate degrees that were awarded by Jomo Kenyatta University last week. Read more

Magoha Says Varsity Mergers will Ensure Quality Education

Hundreds of jobs will be lost when non-performing public universities are closed, but the exercise will be done in a civilised manner. Read more

UoN to Establish Institute for Blue Economy and Ocean Studies

Plans are underway to establish the University of Nairobi Institute for Blue Economy and Ocean Studies (UoN-IBEOS). Read more

31 May 2019

Expanding the Food Basket: Edible Insects as an Alternative

Prof. Judith Kimiywe of the department of Food Nutrition and Dietetics has been awarded a grant of Euro 279,926 by the Flemish Interuniversity Council (VLIR) to carry out a collaborative research titled Insects for Nutrition and Health: Development and Evaluation of Insect-based Complementary Foods for Children in Kenya. Read more

Kisii University Shuts Down Satellite Campuses

Kisii University has shut down some of its satellite campuses and merged others that were not viable. Education Cabinet Secretary Prof George Magoha has praised the move by the institution. Read more

Mechanism to Accredit Academic Journals in the Pipeline

Kenya’s Commission for University Education (CUE) has proposed the establishment of a mechanism for accrediting academic journals, with a view to encouraging more publications by Kenyan scholars in high-quality academic journals. Read more

Reprieve for Universities in US$50 Million Pension Arrears

Kenya’s public universities have been given six years to clear pension deductions owed to the country’s workers’ retirement funds or face massive penalties and auctions. Read more

Why HE Internationalisation Matters in Africa

In recognition of its many benefits, Kenyan universities are actively working towards mainstreaming internationalisation in their institutional strategies and education programmes, according to education experts at the recent National Education Conference held at Aga Khan University in Nairobi. Read more

30 April 2019

‘Academic Writers’ Set to Lose Lucrative Global Market

Recent measures taken by the United Kingdom government to stamp out the use of essay mills by its students come as a blow to thousands of Kenyan university students and graduates who rely on contract academic writing as a major source of income. Read more

Business Management Courses, Requirements and Universities Offering in Kenya

Business management courses have become quite rampant and competitive in Kenya as a result of the existing competition in the market. Most firms are looking for candidates that have majored in the course and also, emerged the best! As they say, for an organization to achieve a competitive advantage, it ought to ensure that it attracts and retains the best talents in the market! Read more

Kenyans should drop obsession with degrees, says Education CS George Magoha

According to Magoha, the obsession with degrees by the modern youth was the reason many of them are currently unemployed. According to the CS, both parents and students should re-explore their options when it came to education since most courses offered in Kenyan tertiary institutions did not offer too much value. Read more

Monitoring and Evaluation Course Requirements and Universities Offering in Kenya

Traditionally, project monitoring and evaluation has been thought of as an activity for the NGOs. The success rate and accountability witnessed within the NGO sector necessitated other public and private sector organizations to rethink their strategies by incorporating monitoring and evaluation. Read more

Students Interact with Industry at the AIESEC Week

University of Nairobi AIESEC students are marking the 2019 AIESEC Week where they are engaging various industry players on issues ranging from solving societal challenges to offering solutions to SDG goals. The event runs from April 24-26, 2019 at the University of Nairobi Towers. Read more

Universities – On the Brink of Financial Insolvency

It is crunch time for universities in Kenya: for the last three years, the sector has been reeling under a financial crisis of unprecedented proportions, raising questions about its long-term sustainability. Read more

Varsity Receives Recognition at DIAR Awards

The University of Nairobi received an award at the 2nd edition of National Diversity and Inclusion Awards & Recognition (DIAR) 2019 Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony in the ‘Inclusive Universities’ category.  Read more

31 March 2019

University Academic Workforce Shows Little Ethnic Diversity

Ethnic patterns in the academic workforce of the public universities in Kenya indicate that most jobs are currently occupied by members of only five major tribes in a country of 43 ethnic groups, according to data from the Commission for University Education (CUE). Read more

Why Uhuru was Right to Move Amina to Sports Ministry

President Uhuru Kenyatta has moved Education Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed to the Sports docket and replaced her with Kenya National Examinations Council chairman George Magoha. This decision has been welcomed by citizens, who say Prof Magoha is better suited to run the ministry. Read more

28 February 2019

26 Universities Face Probe over Unapproved Courses

Kenya is investigating 26 universities for offering unapproved courses after revelations by the sector regulator that have rekindled concerns over the country’s higher education quality. Read more

Institute of Higher Education Research and Leadership Development

The Institute of Higher Education Research and Leadership Development was launched in January 2019 and is mandated to institutionalize and undertake development of leadership and research in African Higher Education Institutions. Read more

Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST Kenya) to Start Admission

The University of Nairobi, Kenyan Government through Konza Technopolis Development Authority (KoTDA) and Korean Advanced Institute of Sciences and technology (KAIST) have been in partnership to establish a consortium of KAIST in Kenya. Read more

Moses Kuria Grants ‘Mitumba’ Seller a Scholarship to London School of Economics

Felistas is currently hustling her way by selling second-hand clothes at Gatundu Market. He was speaking during a meeting with over 400 unemployed graduates in Gatundu South. Read more

Red Tape Stalls Regional German Applied Sciences University

Kenya risks losing its chance to host the East African-German University of Applied Sciences as bureaucratic delays continue to hold up the signing of a draft agreement between the two countries. Read more

UoN Researchers to Undertake Air Quality Monitoring in Nairobi

The University of Nairobi in partnership with GEOHealth Hub will undertake air quality monitoring and impacts on the health of the people in Nairobi. Read more

31 January 2019

Are University Students being Targeted by Jihadist Groups?

As details emerge about those involved in this month’s terror attack on an office and hotel complex in Nairobi, questions are being raised about the susceptibility of students and university graduates to recruitment by militant networks, such as Somali-based jihadist group al-Shabaab, which has claimed responsibility for the attack. Read more

Failure to Disburse Funds for Free Learning Hurting Schools

The latest revelation that public schools have not received free learning funds, three weeks after reopening, is disheartening. Last year, the Ministry of Education promised school heads that the money would be deposited in their school accounts by December 2018. Unfortunately, the promise was not fulfilled and schools are facing severe financial crisis. Read more

How to Calculate Cluster Points for University Intake in Kenya

Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service, popularly known as KUCCPS recently unveiled a precise formula to help students compute their score cluster points. Read more

Moi University Wins Award at the National Gender and Disability Mainstreaming Awards 2018

Moi University won 1st runners up in the category ‘Gender and Disability mainstreaming in Academia’. This was in recognition of its outstanding efforts in mainstreaming Gender and Disability in its policies and programmes. Read more

​Opening of KU Language and Culture Center

Prof. Shem Migot-Adholla,  Kenyatta University Chairman of Council receives the ceremonial key to the  International Language and Cultural Centre from Mr. Peter Okwanyo, Secretary Administration , University Education and Research representing the Ministry of Education, State Department for University Education and Research. Read more

UoN Special Needs Graduates Celebrated

“This is a great achievement not only for you but also for the University,” affirmed Ms Phaustine Khaoya, Acting Registrar, office of the Dean of Students on behalf of  the Dean of students, Father Wamugunda. Read more

University of Nairobi and Meru County Develop a Roadmap to Manage Aflatoxin Risk

In a two-day high-level strategy workshop that was held at the University of Nairobi towers, Meru County Government, University of Nairobi and other stakeholders engaged in a rigorous writing session; a bill that would legislate the management of aflatoxin in their food. Read more

USIU-Africa Launches the First Ever Scorecard

USIU-Africa launched the University Scorecard on Tuesday, 18 December, 2018 during the end of year staff party which was attended by employees, members of the Board of Trustees and the visiting team from University of Dhaka Read more.

31 December 2018

CAES Honours Three Professors for Distinguished Service to Mak

Three professors in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University were on Friday, 14th December 2018 honored for their distinguished service offered to Makerere University after serving in leadership positions for many years. Read more

Conference Seeks Effective Approach to Work Integrated Learning

United States International University-Africa (USIU-Africa), Linking Industry With Academia (LIWA), Cresco Skills Development (CRESCO) and Southern African Society for Cooperative Education (SASCE) held the Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Conference in Kenya. Read more

DP Ruto Receives PhD, President Uhuru Grace Graduation Ceremony

The 60th University of Nairobi graduation has gone into the books of history as one where a siting Deputy President in Kenya received a Doctoral Degree. Read more

Government Sets the Stage for Higher Tuition Fees

The country’s Cabinet Secretary for Education Amina Mohamed said the government can no longer afford to increase funding to state universities and institutions, which should come up with long-term plans for bridge financing. Read more

Integrated Research Field Course in Kenya: 4 AMU Researchers Partake

The second edition of two-week long integrated research field course was held at University of Eldoret in Kenya from 14th to 24th November, 2018. Around 52 Master students that include 20 from host Kenya, 20 of KU Leuven, Belgium and 12 ETH Zurich, Switzerland partook in it. Read more

Postgraduate Numbers Fall in New Universities Crisis

The number of Kenyans seeking postgraduate education fell by over 50% last year, and a further decline is expected this year. While the reasons are unclear, the situation presents the country with a fresh challenge in its economic ambitions. Read more

Shocking Reflections of Freaking University Students’ Drugs, Sex Life

“I have been addicted to Marijuana since I was in class Seven”, says Bill, an undergraduate student at the University of Nairobi. For those fresh out of high school, university life is the ultimate utopia. A chance to finally be free from the suffocating iron grip your parents maintain at all times. Read more

Smart Machines and Human Expertise, Challenges for Higher Education

Google finds answers for your queries, Amazon know your preferences, Facebook not only knows your friends but also can help you find the perfect partner. These platforms seem to know what we are thinking almost before we do. Our world has taken on a digital smartness through AI, data, natural language processing, automation, and robots that, although nearly invisible, impact much of what we do. Read more

Trends that Shaped Higher Education in 2018

For the first time in the history of university student politics, an unusual quiet preceded election in public institutions this year. As the amended 2016 Universities Act that provided for electing student leaders through electoral colleges came into force, there was considerable deviation from the notorious heated campaigns of past years. Read more

VC Speaks on Diaspora Contribution at Sustainable Blue Economy Conference

The Sustainable Blue Economy Conference was held in Nairobi, and brought together the global community of governments, organizations, businesses and the private sector, as well as to individual experts from around the globe. Read more

30 November 2018

Anti-Corruption Drive – What about the Universities?

Kenya’s President Uhuru Kenyatta’s war on corruption has seen the arrest and prosecution of high-profile civil servants from current and past regimes, but have universities been overlooked in his campaign? Some academics and stakeholders think so. Read more

ODeL Campus Discuss Online Education with Tsinghua University

Under the blended mode of learning, students will be using technology to access learning materials from both Kenyan and Chinese professors. Read more

Students Sleep in Shifts as Room Shortage Hits Varsity

The University of Nairobi can only accommodate 10,000 students on an on-campus basis against its student enrollment of 85,000 across the country. This is a shortfall of 75,000 students who seek alternative accommodation in private rentals or live with parents, relatives and friends. Read more

The Cabinet Secretary- Ministry of Education, Ambassador (Dr.) Amina Mohamed Officially Opens the Science and Research Symposium at the Blue Economy Conference

The Sustainable Blue Economy Conference officially kicked off at the Kenyatta International Convention Center and the University of Nairobi. Participants from around the globe are in Nairobi from November 26 to 28, 2018 to learn and exchange ideas on harnessing the potential of oceans, seas, lakes and rivers to improve people’s lives. Read more

Why 2018 was Hard for Public Universities

Every time you fight for your rights and have a peaceful demonstration, security forces are unleashed on you. Your roommate has reduced the only study table in your room to a make-up table. Read more

UCA Announces New Partnership with Riara University in Nairobi, Kenya

The University of Central Arkansas has announced a new international partnership with Riara University in Nairobi, Kenya. The agreement will facilitate student and faculty exchange and joint research projects between UCA and RU faculty. Read more

University Reels from US$5.8m Loss as Campuses Shut

Kenya’s Kenyatta University is reeling from the loss of its US$5.8 million investment in satellite campuses in Rwanda and Tanzania, after their respective governments shut the campuses down recently over claims that they had not complied with new regulations. Read more

31 October 2018

Kenya National Qualifications Authority Clash with TSC on Proposal to Lower College Entry Grade to D.

Kenya National Qualifications Authority said the teachers’ employer was misleading Kenyans on the proposed low grade TSC had rejected the lower college entry mark arguing it would flood the market with poor quality teachers – TSC also argued Kenya already had thousands of unemployed teachers and lowering grade would make situation worse. Read more

Methodist Clergy Call for Sacking of KEMU Chancellor

The saga surrounding the Kenya Methodist University and the Methodist Church took a new twist when a section of bishops and members blamed poor leadership and mismanagement for the problems bedeviling the university and the entire church. Read more

New Accreditation System Sets Down HE Standards

In a move to standardise qualifications, the Kenya National Qualifications Authority has created a new system for the accreditation of student qualifications and has defined entry grades for both degrees and diplomas, according to newly gazetted regulations. Read more

30 September 2018

Law School Initiative that Benefits Students and the Public at One Go

Judy Nguru-Walla, lecturer and Coordinator, Public Legal Clinics at Mount Kenya University’s Parklands Law Campus sheds light on the institution’s free legal aid service. Read more

Universities Need Public and Private Support to Excel in Research, Don Advises

Universities need adequate support from both the public and private sector to overcome the challenges that come with industrialization and commercialization of suitable research outputs. Read more

31 August 2018

Ministry to Support TU-K in Skills Training

Education Cabinet Secretary Amb. Dr. Amina Mohamed has said Government is focusing efforts in technical-based learning institutions in seeing to it that graduates are properly prepared for the industry. Read more

MKU Ranked Among Top 10 in Research Funding

The University of Nairobi is the most funded to initiate research projects for various academic disciplines, a study has revealed. Read more

Moi University installs Integrated Online Graduate Mentorship and Supervision System

Moi University has installed the Integrated Online Graduate Mentorship and Supervision System (i-OGMSS), an online technology that will revolutionize the way graduate students and their lecturers interact during the course of their studies. Read more

Regional Conference on Science and Religion

Christian and Scientific Association of Kenya (CSAK), an Association that fosters dialogue between science and religion that is hosted by Mount Kenya University (MKU) has conducted a two-day regional conference themed Interaction of Science and Religion in Africa. Read more

30 June 2018

Arizona State University Seeks Collaboration with Moi University

Academics from the School of Social Transformation of Arizona State University (ASU), USA, led by Prof. Elizabeth Swadener paid a courtesy call to the Vice Chancellor.  Read more

Camels have Developed Resistance to a Drug Used to Treat Surra, a Common and Often Deadly Disease

Triquin drug has been in the market for over 20 years, Kenya Biotechnology Research Institute director Judith Chemuliti said. Read more

Sharing Books Online Kills Creativity, It’s Outright Theft

Looters and Grabbers was itself looted, not off the shelf but grabbed online, and shared widely on PDF, which means zero royalties to the author of the work. Read more

Unprepared Graduates are Raising our Costs, say Employers

Kenyan employers are warning of surging business costs arising from the hiring of new under-prepared university graduates even as the country grapples with an oversupply of university leavers. Read more

31 May 2018

Committee likely to end self-sponsored degree plan

It is expected that in less than a month a committee appointed by Education Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed will recommend the dissolution of Module II programmes in local public universities, taking on board recommendations from the inter-ministerial task force she appointed two weeks ago that has been looking into delivery of services in institutions of higher learning, writes Muiru Ngugi for Daily Nation. Read more

Best Cheap Quality Smartphones for Campus students in Kenya (Budget Ones)

Looking for a Cheap smartphone in Kenya that meets all the students needs? This post guides you on what look for when shopping for the best smartphone that comes at a budget price for university and college students. Read more

List of private universities in Kenya 2018

There are over 30 private universities in Kenya which work to enhance the provision of quality education to the students of Kenya. Moreover, Kenya has shown a huge growth in the education sector from the last two decades. This article will provide you detailed information about the most popular private universities in Kenya. Read more

30 April 2018

Universities Are in a Mess, Says Education CS Amina

University education is in a mess and must be fixed to restore normal learning and improve quality, Education Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohammed has said. In a blow-by-blow analysis of universities teaching and learning, Mohammed yesterday revealed that higher education standards had fallen, with students graduating not ready to compete in the job market. Read more

Amina Mohammed Instructs Striking Lecturers to Resume Duty

Education Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohammed has instructed all striking dons to resume duties without delay. This was after an initiative to form a special team which will work on a counter collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Read more

Tough Times for Universities as Funds Dry Up, Admissions Drop

Details of how majority of universities are struggling financially can be laid bare today as they prepare to admit the second lot of students under strict reforms introduced two years ago by then Education Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiangi. Read more

Why Universities Should Promote Research at All Academic Levels

Universities in sub-Saharan Africa have been undergoing a crisis of identity. Initially established by the colonial administration as centers to train mid-level professionals and thereafter given the task of building local meritocratic bureaucracy for newly independent states, pursuit of new knowledge has never been the forte of these institutions. Read more  

African Innovators Sought Ahead of Africa Innovation Summit II

The Africa Innovation Summit (AIS II), which will take place from 6-8 June 2018 in Kigali, Rwanda, under the esteemed patronage of His Excellences President Paul Kagame and Pedro Pires (ex-President of Cabo Verde), announced a call for applications to innovators across Africa whose solutions have the potential to solve the continent’s challenges. The AIS Read more

African Universities Join Forces to Expand the Continent’s Pediatric Workforce

Since 2008, the University of Cape Town has trained 151 pediatricians, pediatric sub-specialists, and pediatric nurses from across Africa through the African Pediatric Fellowship Program (APFP). The addition of the University of Witwatersrand (Wits) and the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UZKN) to the APFP training network will enable 150 more pediatric specialists to be trained in the next three years, doubling the number of doctors and nurses trained to date. Read more

Ashden Awards Announces Shortlist for the Sustainable Energy Pioneers of 2018

Twelve cutting-edge organizations working on the frontline of sustainable energy in the fields of health, cities and buildings, finance, energy access, mobility and powering business have been shortlisted for the 2018 International Ashden Awards. Read more

New Moi University VC’s Tough Message to Staff

Recently appointed Moi University Vice-Chancellor (VC) Prof. Isaac Kosgey has challenged staff at the university to offer the best of their service in order to reclaim its lost glory. Read more

Moi University to Host 13th International Society of Oral Literature

Moi University in collaboration with Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) has won the bid to host the 13th International Society of Oral Literature in Africa (ISOLA) Conference in July 2020. Read more

University Lecturers Should be Paid According to Hours Worked – Parents

The Kenya National Parents Association is now calling for the overhaul of the manner in which lecturers at public universities in the country are paid. Read more

The Sixth African Higher Education Week and RUFORUM Biennial Conference

The Biennial Conference is RUFORUM’s most comprehensive meeting for the diversity of stakeholders in both agriculture and higher education sectors. It is especially dedicated to graduate students and their supervisors, grantees in RUFORUM member universities and alumni. It is a platform for peer review, quality control, mentorship, networking and shared learning.

30 December 2017

Country Deports 30 for Selling Drugs in Universities

Kenya has deported 30 people involved in drug trafficking within universities, following investigations launched in April into drug cartels. Read more

Female Students ‘Too Scared’ To Report Sexual Harassment

I didn’t know how to report the case and I was too scared to share my story with anyone for fear of being suspended or expelled from the university. Read more

Government Releases Sh3 Billion in Research Grants For Higher Education Researchers

The Government has released Sh3 billion in research grants for 411 higher education researchers. Read more

Students Unhappy Over 30% Fee Hike

Kenya is set to increase fees for state-sponsored students in public universities by 30% from next year, following recommendations by the University Fund. Read more

30 October 2017

Authorities Tighten Rules for Foreign Student Admissions

Concerned by criminal and terror networks, Kenyan authorities are tightening up regulations relating to the entry of foreign students. Read more

Prof. Mbithi Challenges ESDA to Open Membership to More Universities

The Vice-Chancellor, University of Nairobi, and the Chairman Education for Sustainable development in Africa (ESDA) has called on the consortium to enhance inclusivity across the continent by considering opening ESDA membership to other universities, including those in francophone countries of Africa. Read more

President Awards Charter to Garissa University

President Uhuru Kenyatta last week granted a charter to Garissa University, making the higher institution of learning that was previously a constituent college of Moi University a fully-fledged university. Read more

Rule on Diplomas Unfair

The suspension of the university credit transfer system for diploma holders is a retrogressive decision that seeks to punish rather than encourage academic enterprise. Read more

School Of Business Launches Executive Development Programmes

The University of Nairobi, School of Business, has launched a series of Executive Development Programmes. The programmes aim at equipping executive managers with practical leadership skills to help them steer their organizations to greater levels of success. Read more

Should I Disregard Company Rules And Hire This Young Woman?

Hiring process should be preceded by discussing and agreeing on the role profile, which clearly stipulates the education qualification, experience and attributes required from the potential job holder, based on the complexity and level of the role. Read more

The Rising Threat to Academic Integrity

A student at Mount Kenya University, lost a case in the High Court in which she was challenging her suspension from the university over exam cheating. Read more

Varsity Trains Staff On Customer Care and Service

The University of Nairobi non-teaching staff have been trained on critical aspects of customer care and service. Read more

15 October 2017

80-Year Old Historian And Author Not Planning To Give Up Pen Soon

At 80 years, many men slow down to less strenuous activities and choose to spend more time with their grandchildren, telling grandpa tales. Not so for Mutu wa Gethoi, who turned 80 in June. He plans to launch his latest book, Elders of the Mace. Read more

Court Suspends Foreign Travel Restriction On Lecturers

The High Court has temporarily stopped the government’s travel restriction imposed on university lecturers. Read more

Don’t Be Shy, Jump On Board…

Until recently, engineering was considered a prestigious course reserved for academically outstanding male students. This was perpetuated by the belief that men perform better in technical professions. Read more

Lecturers Issue Strike Notice to 31 Universities

University lecturers have issued a 21-day strike notice to the government. Read more

Technical Education Gets Boost As 60 Colleges Put Up

The government has completed the construction of 60 technical colleges, Vocational Training Principal Secretary Dinah Mwinzi has said. Read more

UoN and SOS Training Institute to Partner

In the spirit of emphasizing the importance of vocational training, the University of Nairobi will be partnering with SOS Children’s Villages through various initiatives, but notably along vocational training. Read more

Uon Launches Entrepreneurship Course Targeting Women

The University of Nairobi, Africa Women Studies Centre, has launched a three-day entrepreneurship course that aims at impacting women with practical ideas on entrepreneurship. Read more

Uon To Enhance The ESDA Programme

The University of Nairobi (UoN) plans to enhance the Education for Sustainable Development in Africa (ESDA) programme at the institution. Read more

30 September 2017

Case Opposing Term Limits On Varsity Student Leaders Dismissed

New laws that impose term limits on university student leaders has been dismissed by the High Court. Read more

Degree Clean-Up Laudable

A decision by Makerere University to recall law degrees it conferred in the past decade on the grounds that some of them could have been forged is a bold and unprecedented crackdown on a wave of academic fraud that has been sweeping through institutions of higher learning in the region. Read more

How We Did It: Entrepreneurs Tell Their Stories At Innovation Center

The New Economic Venture Accelerator NEVA has organized a series of talks at the Innovation and Incubation Center. Renowned entrepreneurs offered advice on how they began their ventures, and how they avoided the pitfalls that come with building a business from the ground. Read more

Prof. Ayiro attends GUNi-UNESCO International Conference on SDGs

Acting Vice Chancellor Prof. Laban Ayiro  addresses the Global University Network for Innovation (GUNi) international conference in Barcelona, Spain. The conference is on Sustainable Development Goals: Actors and Implementation. Read more

She’s On Her Way To Earning A Phd In Biomathematics

Mathematical modelling and computer simulation techniques are used to discover and gain insight into the dynamics of tumour development, growth and spread. Read more

Student Caretaker Committee Undergo Training

The new leaders were taken through a one-day sensitization workshop on the operations of the University. The training was held at the KCB Leadership Centre. Read more

Uon And Jagiellonian University Discuss Cooperation

The University of Nairobi and Jagiellonian University, Poland, have entered into discussions on the possibility of engaging in scientific and educational cooperation through the Erasmus programme. Read more

Uon Boss Mbithi Calls For Innovation

Institutions of higher learning have been challenged to embrace innovation in order to increase their revenues. Read more

UoN Press at 20th Nairobi International Book Fair

The University of Nairobi Press is participating at the 20th edition of the Nairobi International Book Fair, at the Sarit Centre, Nairobi. Read more

Uon Records Excellent Results At Nairobi Trade Fair

The University of Nairobi (UoN) has been crowned first in the best university stand, the stand that best interprets the show theme in the education and or research category and the best stand in research and development at the Nairobi International Trade Fair 2017. Read more

15 September 2017

Degree Clean-Up Laudable

A decision by Makerere University to recall law degrees it conferred in the past decade on the grounds that some of them could have been forged is a bold and unprecedented crackdown on a wave of academic fraud that has been sweeping through institutions of higher learning in the region. Read more

Education Key to China-Kenya Ties

This year, 150 excellent Kenyan young men and women have won Chinese scholarship programmes. These scholarships go a long way in deepening the strong bonds of friendship and long-standing trade ties. Read more

Foreign Firms to Plug Universities’ Infrastructure Gap

Foreign financial institutions and private equity funds are lining up millions of dollars to invest in Kenya’s higher education, potentially helping to narrow the damaging infrastructure gap facing the sector. Read more

How Varsity Positions Are Killing Research

Too often, risk of research oblivion is real and promotions might delay, or be derailed. Read more

Local Universities Begin Biometric Registration of Students

It will now be easier to identify students in universities after a number of the institutions rolled out a biometric registration of the learners this month. Read more

Only 72,000 Admitted to Public and Private Universities to Benefit from the Sh3.2 Billion

Only 72,000 students who sat last year’s KCSE will be considered for loans this year. Read more

Private Universities Reject State-Sponsored Learners

Private universities have turned away many government-sponsored students, citing poor funding. Read more

Purge on Varsities, Degrees Is Welcome

Kenya’s higher education expanded exponentially since the mid 1990s, driven by higher demand by high school qualifiers and the working class seeking to upgrade their professional skills. Read more

University of Nairobi Trails Africa Peers in Research, Lecturer Numbers

The University of Nairobi has moved one position up to be ranked the 11th best university in Africa even as it trails peers in research, female student enrolment and lecturer-student ratio. Read more

Why Universities Choose to Sit Back as Others Build State

Universities must claim their rightful place in production of good citizenship. Read more

31 August 2017

After Elections, What Can Higher Education Expect?

With Kenyan elections done and dusted, the focus is now shifting to how President Uhuru Kenyatta and other elected officials will implement their ambitious election promises in relation to higher education and science, technology and innovation. Read more

Court Orders Graduation of University Students Caught up in Leadership Row

A court has ordered the graduation ceremony of 500 students of Great Lakes University of Kisumu (GLUK) to go on as planned after a leadership dispute left their fate hanging in the balance. Read more

Crisis Looms at Varsities amid Threat of Another Strike

A crisis looms in higher education once again after university lecturers issued a one-week notice to the government to implement their salary increase or face another round of industrial action from next month. Read more

Higher Student Loan Demands Push HELB into Panic Mode

The Higher Education Loans Board (Helb) is facing an uphill task to meet its financial obligations as institutions of higher learning begin their new academic year. Read more

Mount Kenya University Hails 36 Former Students Who Won Elective Seats in General Election

Mount Kenya University has congratulated its former students who won various elective seats in the General Election. Read more

Private Universities Struggle to Make Ends Meet

Even after the Kenyan government last year permitted the enrolment of state-sponsored students in private universities, many of these institutions continue to grapple with financial deficits as a result of low student numbers, poorly planned and rapid expansion, as well as weak financial and management accounting systems. Read more

Salary for Public University Workers to Delay

Some public universities workers may not get their August salaries amid claims that Government has yet to release capitation money. Read more

UASU Losing Its Voice with Every Chant of ‘Solidarity Forever

The University’s Academic Staff Union (UASU) has given notice of a strike over refusal by the government to honour a past Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). Read more

15 August 2017

Kenyans Expect Free Education Whether Raila or Uhuru Wins

Kenyans are expecting free education irrespective of which party wins. Read more

Kenyan Varsities Must Adopt Modern System to Replace Annoying Practices

In spite of putting up a few ultramodern high-rise buildings on their main campuses, our universities have not fundamentally changed much since the 1960s. Read more

Kenyatta University Selling Property on Arusha Campus

Kenyatta University is selling off some of its property on Arusha campus, signaling the start of plans to shut down the institutions’ premises. Read more

Moi University’s Dream of 6000-Seater Amphitheater Turning into Reality

The journey for Moi University to realize its ambitious dream to construct a 6000-seater Amphitheatre, the biggest in the region, has taken off, following the award of the tender to an architectural contractor to design the plan. Read more

Ouko to Probe KU for Company Opened in Kigali

Parliament’s Public Investments Committee (PIC) has directed the Auditor-General to ascertain ownership of a company opened by Kenyatta University to run its Kigali, Rwanda Campus. Read more

Parliament Moves against Student Fee Defaulters

Kenya’s university students who default on fees face a bleak future after parliament recommended that a public university list those students and past students in arrears with credit reference bureaus. Read more

School of Medicine Celebrates 50th Anniversary in Style

The University Of Nairobi’s School of Medicine, celebrated 50 years since inception in style. Read more

The University QMS Certification Process

The University of Nairobi has received the ISO9001:2015 certification from KEBS, the Certification Body, marking a milestone for the Quality Management System (QMS). Read more

We Endorse a Candidate Who Will ‘Heal’ Our Universities

In both symbolic and material terms, the presidency is largely powerful and whoever wins will most likely influence the texture and poise of university education for the next five years.Read more

15 July 2017

Dons Term New SRC Evaluation Report as Unfair

Vice-chancellors of public universities have demanded an urgent meeting with Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) over a job evaluation report that has attracted protest from academic staff. Read more

Equity Bank’s Scholarship Programme Hits Sh10 Billion

The current total value of the scholarships to date stands at nearly Kshs 10 billion (USD 100 million). This caters for tuition, air tickets and related expenses while at the respective universities for the entire period of studies. Read more

Lecturers’ Strike Set to End As Sh5.2m Is Released

Striking university workers are set to resume duty after the Education ministry on Tuesday released the second and final tranche of Sh5.2 billion for their Sh10 billion collective bargaining agreement. Read more

Matiang’i Strikes Again, Orders 2 Universities to Shut Campuses

Education Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has ordered two leading public universities in Kenya to close their campuses in Rwanda and Tanzania. Read more

Mishra Sponsors 19 Students to Pursue Teaching Courses

Kesses Jubilee parliamentary candidate Dr Swarup Mishra Kiprop has sponsored 19 students to pursue certificate and diploma teaching courses at Tambach Teachers college. Read more

Science Scheme Expected To Spur Innovation

Innovative youths now have a reason to smile, following the launch of the Young Scientists Kenya (YSK) programme by the government in collaboration with the Irish embassy. Read more

SRC Report Reveals ‘Anomalies’ Among Varsities’ Staff

An evaluation report by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) has revealed the pay and grading differences among employees of universities. Read more

Success of Kibabii University Credited to Jubilee Regime

President Kenyatta listed Kibabii University in Bungoma , which has already received a Charter, as another successful initiative of his Government. Read more

Tanzania Bars Two Kenyan Varsities over Standards

Two Kenyan universities have been barred from admitting students to their Tanzania campuses this year over failure to comply with the country’s standards and regulations. Read more

Thousands of Ghost Workers Earning at Universities

Thousands of ghost workers are earning salaries in public universities, an audit report has revealed. Read more

Universities to be Closed For Elections

All public universities will be closed ahead of the August 8 general polls. Read more

Uon Students to Start Using Biometric Identification Cards

Students at the University of Nairobi (UoN) will soon start using biometric identification cards, for security, purposes. Read more

30 June 2017

Ball State University Professors Visit Moi University

Moi University Ag. Vice Chancellor Prof. Laban Ayiro  signing a MoU with Ball State University Dean, Teachers college Prof. John E. Jacobson on Wednesday June 28, 2017 in his office Main Campus. Read more

Innovation Center Holds Successful Workshop on Design Thinking

The School of Science and Technology in conjunction up with the Mekatilili Program and Foondi Workshops hosted a Design and Internet of Things Workshop at the Innovation and Incubation Center. Read more

Moi University, AGBA Sign MoU to Host International Conference

Moi University has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the US-based Academy for Global Business Advancement (AGBA) to host its forthcoming 14th Annual World Congress. Read more

New Guidelines Set High Publishing Bar for Academics

Kenya’s Commission for University Education has issued stringent new guidelines for the appointment and promotion of academic staff in a system that gives heavy emphasis to publication in reputable, peer-reviewed journals and discourages publication in so-called predatory journals. While the move is intended to raise academic standards, it has also raised concerns about the hurdles to publication facing many Kenyan academics. Read more

Rotary Club Support 5 UoN Students with Scholarships

The Rotary Club of Nairobi has awarded five University of Nairobi (UoN) students from the School of Business with scholarships to the tune of Kshs, 175,000. Read more

Pangea Board Members Elect Prof. Njeru as President

Prof. Enos Njeru, the Principal of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHSS), has been elected as President of Partnership for Africa’s Next Generation of Academics (PANGeA). Read more

The Baby Friendly Community Initiative – A Pilot Study In Koibatek, Baringo County, Kenya

Programs promoting optimal infant and young child nutrition could prevent a fifth of under five deaths in countries with high mortality. Effective strategies to improve infant and young child feeding practices are needed. Read more

UoN Is the Most Social Learning Institution

The University of Nairobi (UoN) has been crowned the ‘most social learning institution’ category in the OLX Social Media Awards 2017. Read more

Usiu-Africa Prepares for Re-Affirmation of Accreditation

USIU-Africa is currently undertaking an institutional self-study exercise in preparation for the re-affirmation visit by WASC Senior Colleges and University Commission (WSCUC) in 2018. Read more

USIU-Africa Students and Faculty Participate in the Summer Edition of Oxford Consortium Workshop Series

The workshop was organized to better understand humanitarian law and ethical systems of international refugee policy and deepen the connections of policy to people via service and fieldwork in a refugee camp. During the workshop, Dr. Mwambari delivered a lecture on “Lived Experiences of Internally Displaced Persons, Refugees and Migrants after Conflicts”. Read more

15 June 2017

18 Students Join Ranks of Peer Counselors

The Peer Educators and Counselors Club (PECC) held a graduation ceremony for 18 students. The annual ceremony concludes two and a half semesters of training – a journey that this time round began in during the Fall 2016 semester. Read more

34th Graduation Ceremony to be Held on Friday 30th June 2017

Moi University wishes to inform candidates who qualified for the conferment of various degrees and award of diplomas during the 2016/2017 academic year that the 34th Graduation Ceremony will take place on Friday 30th June 2017 at the Main Campus, Graduation Pavilion. Read more

A Successful Launch of UoN School of Law Alumni Chapter

The President of the Judiciary, Chief Justice David Maraga, urged lawyers in the country to embrace integrity and good work ethics. Read more

Administration Department Organises for Staff Team Building

The members of staff from the Administration Department of the University of Nairobi were given a treat at Lake Elementaita in Gilgil for team building bonding activities. Read more

Agency Issues New Charges for Technical, Vocational Institutes

Fees in technical and vocational institutes is expected to rise following the gazettement of new charges by the regulator. Read more

Carnegie African Diaspora Fellow Returns to Finish Information Systems Security Curriculum

Associate Professor of Computer Science Dr. Charlie Obimbo from the University of Guelph, in the Canadian city of Ontario, has returned to USIU-Africa for a second time as a Carnegie Africa Diaspora Fellowship Program Fellow. Read more

Don-Turned-Presidential Hopeful Vows to Redeem HE

A Kenyan professor aspiring to become president in the country’s upcoming general election says, if elected, he will give priority to higher education and redeem the image of the Kenyan system. Read more

First Criminology and Criminal Justice Conference to be Held this Thursday

The School of Humanities and Social Sciences will this week host the region’s first Criminology and Criminal Justice Conference from June 15-16 in the auditorium. Read more

HE Budget Emphasises Shift to STEM Education and Training

The 2017-18 budget allocation to higher education and training sectors points to a government committed to a stronger focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics in order to boost industrialisation. Read more

Increase Helb and Seal Loopholes to Ensure Poor Get It

Most people believe that university students live in opulence. They think students receive huge sums of money from the Higher Education Loans Board (Helb) that is enough for their fees, accommodation, maintenance and leisure. Read more

Intel Developer Program to Host Artificial Intelligence Workshop at USIU-Africa

The School of Science and Technology in conjunction with the Intel Student Developer Program and the IT Club of USIU-Africa are set to host an Artificial Intelligence workshop on Saturday, June 10 at the Innovation and Incubation Center. Read more

Kenya Commits Sh800 Million to Setting up Scholarship Fund

Kenya is among four African countries that have committed some Sh800 million to setting up a scholarship fund for doctoral training in science, engineering and technology. Read more

Leadership Crisis in Varsities Worrying

Education Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has decried leadership crisis in Kenyan universities manifested in financial fraud, ethnic mobilisation and falling academic standards. Read more

Moi University Enactus Team Emerges the National Champion 2017

Moi University Enactus team has emerged the champion after beating 33 other universities in the recently held Enactus Kenya National Business and Entrepreneurship Exposition competitions. Read more

Need for Change in Higher Education

Institutions of higher learning are being challenged to solidify their positions as home to some of the world’s top scholars, researchers and experts in diverse fields. Read more

Police Bust Academic Document Forgery Den, Criminal Hit Squad

Police have in two separate incidents busted gangs of criminals that have aided students forge academic documents and waylay students at night with crude weapons. Read more

President Lays Foundation for Construction of Koitalel Samoei University

President Uhuru Kenyatta laid the foundation stone for the construction of Koitalel Samoei University College. The university college located in Nandi Hills is a constituent college of the University of Nairobi (UoN). Read more

Scheme to Make Transfer within EAC Varsities Possible

East African students will be able to transfer to any university in the region following the approval of a framework to guide the process. Read more

Selected Schools to Act as Centres to Promote Sciences

Two schools per county are set to be transformed into model centres for promotion of science related subjects across the country. Read more

Students Celebrate World Environmental Day

United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP) and National Youth Green Growth Secretariat (NY2GS) of Kenya partnered with the USIU-Africa Environmental Society (ENSO) club to host university students from Nairobi to usher in the World Environmental Day 2017 themed “Connecting People to Nature”. Read more

Survey Highlights ‘Skewed’ Arts, Science Programmes

A survey of science courses in Kenyan universities has revealed a “high tendency” towards the development of programmes that attract more student numbers, resulting in a “skewed” development overlooking science, technology, engineering and mathematics courses – all with potential implications for the implementation of the country’s industrialisation blueprint, Vision 2030. Read more

Take Pride in Moi University, Prof Ayiro Urges Students, Staff

Moi University Acting (Ag.) Vice Chancellor (VC) Prof. Laban Ayiro has urged students and staff to take pride in the institution as their own, saying it is an internationally acclaimed academic giant with unique programmes and many opportunities. Read more

Uhuru Honours Nandi Hero Koitalel Arap Samoei

President Uhuru Kenyatta on Monday launched the construction of a university to honour one of Kenya’s popular freedom fighters, Koitalel arap Samoei in Nandi County. Read more

University Education in Kenya Must Open Up – It’s Far Too Rigid

According to Gina Yashere, a brilliant British comedian of Nigerian descent, in African families a child has four career choices: doctor, lawyer, engineer or disgrace to the family. Read more

15 May 2017

Liberal Arts Education – Africa’s Antidote Against Exploitation

Our system takes an 18-year-old and thrusts him or her into law school, finance, journalism, and medicine before they develop oral and written communication and critical skills. Read more

Public Varsities Set to Lose Billions over Admissions

Universities across the country are set to miss out on billions of shillings they generate from privately sponsored students after all the available places were taken up by the 88,626. Read more

What Do We Want With Our University Education?

It has become fashionable today in Kenya to speak about university education in a very unflattering language. Read more

Why Universities Should Promote Sports

In October last year, something very exciting took place at Kenyatta University. The institution was recognised as the number one sports university in the region and proudly took its place among the leading institutions that have promoted and supported students in sports besides other academic pursuits. Read more

30 April 2017

14 Students Receive Scholarship from Mitsubishi Corporation

The selected students, drawn from the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies and the School of Biological Sciences (BSc degree in Environmental Conservation and Natural Resources Management), come from needy backgrounds and have recorded excellent performance in their respective courses. Read more

Kenyatta Universityin Collaboration with The Association of African Universities (AAU), Holds Training Workshop on University-Industry Linkages

KU hosts the 2017 workshop on facilitating university-industry linkages for African Universities organised by Association of African Universities. Read more

Central Mps Tell Off Sossion in Academic Row with Matiang’i

Mount Kenya region parliamentarians have told the Kenya National Union of Teachers secretary-general Wilson Sossion to keep off academic scrutiny matters. Read more

Erosion of Quality in Kenyan Varsities: Is it the Cause of Poor Global Ranking?

Recently in Naivasha, during an induction forum for newly appointed university council members for 22 public universities, Matiang’i named irregularities that have bedevilled university education. Read more

Government Admits Record Number of Students as Parallel Programme Killed

The government will fund university and college education for 116718 students who sat last year for Kenya certificate of secondary education examination. Read more

Students Receive Insight on Life and Career Choices

Discover your purpose,’ ‘build your skills,’ ‘make the right choices,’ ‘seize opportunities,’ ‘have a plan’ – these are some of the many tips students received at the Skills Hunt Summit which was held at the University of Nairobi. Read more

Three African Centres of Excellence Launched

Kenya has launched three African Centres of Excellence in universities with support from the World Bank. Read more

Universities Face Seachange over Diplomas and Doctorates

Kenyan universities will be allowed to offer both degrees and diplomas following a policy reversal that has thrown institutions a major lifeline in a tight regulatory environment. And in another dramatic policy reversal, the government has announced that the requirement that only academics with doctorates are eligible to be lecturers was counterproductive and hurting the sector. Read more

Universities Forge New Partnership with Industry

Kenyan universities, in conjunction with leading industry stakeholders, have launched a digital sustainability platform in an effort to curb the growing skills gap, according to top-ranking officials. Read more

UoN Team to Develop National Master Plan for Science and Technology Parks

The University of Nairobi (UoN) through its subsidiary University of Nairobi Enterprises Services (UNES) has been awarded a contract to develop the National Master Plan for Science and Technology Parks in Kenya and designs for technology parks for Konza and Dedan Kimathi University of Technology and Science. Read more

UoN Scholar Writes Book on Cancer Treatment

Prof. Nicholas Abinya, a scholar and researcher at the Department of Clinical Medicine and Therapeutics, College of Health Sciences (CHS), has authored a book on drugs treatment for cancer. Read more

Why University Senates Failed to Stop the Decay in Institutions of Higher Learning As a graduate student, the mention of ‘university senate’ elicited impressions of sagacious academic leadership. It evoked images of spirited deliberations, democratic ideals and a collegiate approach to university governance. Once, when one of my university teachers became a ‘senator’, I discerned that senators, or those members of academic staff who attended senate, occupied a privileged status in the university. Read more

15 March 2017

Ongoing Lecturer Strike Keeps Students in Limbo

Teaching and learning is yet to resume at public universities across the country as the unions representing the teaching staff had not, by late last week, reached an agreement with the government over salaries, keeping the studies of thousands of students in 33 institutions on hold. Read more

CS Matiang’i Urges Students to Avail Loans to Study

The Ministry of Education has disbursed Sh1.3 billion for training students in technical institutions. Read more

Education and Politics Go Hand-In-Hand

Education is the process of facilitating learning by acquiring knowledge, skills and values. Public education in Kenya is based on the 8–4–4 system. It entails eight years of primary education, four in secondary school and four more in college or university. Read more

Fake Certificates: New Gadget to Catch Cheats, Fast

A Strathmore University graduate has developed an IT system that can be used to verify academic certificates to curb rampant cheating by job seekers. Read more

Half a Loaf Is Better Than None: Lecturers Finally Take Sh10bn

University Academic Staff Union secretary general Constantine Wasonga said the association reached the decision to save the higher education sector from collapse and to end students’ suffering. Read more

Higher Education Capture by the Elite Hurting Quality of Learning and Grade

The government’s own instigated audit on universities has exposed a foul-smelling can of worms that nearly choked Education. Read more

Lecturers to Decide Accepting Sh4.8 Billion State Offer to End Strike

Lectures have said they will only call off their strike if the state confirms that the Sh4.8 billion offered to them is on top of the initial Sh10 billion. Read more

Lessons from End of Lecturers’ Strike

All the parties – lecturers union, university managers and the government – have demonstrated that where there is will, there is a way. Read more

To Beat the Best, We Must Separate Research and Teaching Universities

Universities have recently received bad press. The Commission for University Education (CUE), an outfit that had been dormant for years, arose from slumber and released a report that ‘suddenly’ found out that a number of university courses were either unapproved or unaccredited. Read more

Weak Education System Needs Fixing

Reports in the media revealing that nearly half of teachers trainees in different colleges who sat the Kenya National Examinations Council (Knec) exam last year failed has further unveiled the rot that had almost consumed the education system. Read more

15 February 2017

3 Universities Face Closure as Government Tightens on Malpractices

The Commission for University Education (CUE) and Education Ministry are mulling over shutting down three universities by not renewing their licenses. Read more

Abide By Rules or Face Closure, Varsities Told

Universities have been handed six months to comply with new requirements or face severe sanctions, which include possible closure. Read more

Fake Degrees Declaration Huge Step Backwards For Education

The declaration of fake degrees offered in Kenyan universities has disappointed parents even more than the graduates. Read more

Government Sponsored Students Find a Home at MKU

The year 2016 will go down in record as the first time that the government of Kenya took a bold attempt to enable more students attain university education. It is in the implementation of this program that a group of 1,126 students joined Mount Kenya University. Read more

I Can’t Negotiate With Lecturers over Pay

Education Cabinet Secretary has denied talks that he is involved in talks aimed at ending the lecturers’ strike. He stayed away from the talks because he does not desire to interfere with due process. Read more

Is Your University Degree Fake? CS Matiang’i Is After You!

You have every reason to worry if your university degree is fake or attained on questionable grounds. Read more

Kenyan Private Universities Join Top 200 in Africa Best Institutions in Africa in 2017

Private universities in Kenya are among the top 200 best institutions in Africa in 2017, according to a report by uniRank, a web-based higher educational ranking organisation. Read more

Ministry’s Pursuit to Cleanse Varsities from Rot to Continue

Education Cabinet Secretary said the government will stop at nothing in its bid to clear the rot in local universities. Read more

Only Monkeys ‘Studying’ In Universities, Uasu Says As Strike Bites

Negotiations to end the lecturers’ strike collapsed last week after the government declined to accept demands. Read more

Postgraduate Students Also to Blame for Poor Completion Rates

In an audit of universities recently released by Education Cabinet Secretary, a number of “irregularities” with regard to certification, examination, duration of courses and admissions were exposed. Read more

Reduced Budget Puts Damper on Student Funding Plans

Plans by Kenya’s Higher Education Loans Board, or HELB, to implement the differentiated unit cost funding model biased towards science and technology programmes and introduce loans to students abroad seem destined to falter after the government moved to reduce the budget allocation to the board by US$90 million for the upcoming 2017-18 financial year. Read more

Revamp of Varsity Education to Start as New Team Formed

A joint working group has been constituted to monitor the implementation of the audit report on state of higher learning that was released. Read more

Time to Clear Rot in Running of Universities

University education is at a crossroads and radical measures must be taken to clean up the mess and restore sanity to the sector. Read more

University Audit a Big Step Forward

The recent university audit by the Commission for University Education (CUE) is a step in the right direction. Read more

University Audit Reveals Litany of Problems

Kenyan universities have been given 30 days to outline corrective measures to address a litany of misdemeanours ranging from flouting of admission criteria to ‘rampant’ abuse of executive degree programmes, the offering of unaccredited programmes as well as the failure to follow rules for student-to-staff ratios. Read more

Universities Flouting Admission Rules, CUE Report States

A report by the higher education regulator accuses universities of failing to adhere to admission criteria. Read more

Universities Told Not to Increase Allowances

Universities have been asked not to increase house allowance for their staff and instead focus on raising their salaries in a bid to end their month-long strike. Read more

31 January 2017

By Blocking Professionals from Approving Universities, MPs Restored Autonomy

By blocking professional bodies from approving and accrediting university courses, the National Assembly has shown uncharacteristic acuity and set the tempo for reforms in the management of our institutions of higher learning. Read more

Courses to Determine Lecturers’ Pay

University lecturers’ salaries will be based on the course taught as a new funding formula for the institutions takes effect in the new financial year that starts in July. Read more

Government to Audit Private and Public Universities

The way in which universities in the country conduct their business is set to change drastically as the government embarks on an audit of both public and private institutions of higher learning starting Monday. Read more

Helb Directed To Spend Entire Sh900 Million from Government on Student Loans

The Higher Education Loans Board (Helb) has been directed to spend the entire Sh900 million it received from the government on loans to college students. Read more

Joy As Turkana Varsity Is Gazetted

Residents of Turkana County have a reason to smile after the region’s only public university was gazetted as a constituent college of Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology. Read more

Matiang’i Calls For Dialogue to End Lecturers Strike

Lecturers have vowed to continue with their strike, ignoring an appeal by Education Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i to suspend it for dialogue. Read more

Matiang’i Directs CUE to Implement Credit Transfer Programme

Education Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has directed the Commission for University Education (CUE) to start implementing a university credit transfer programme. Read more

Ministry Uses Money to Woo More Students to Study Science, Math

Students pursuing science courses in universities will from July receive more funding than those taking humanities. Read more

Prison Term Gives Father Chance to Pursue Degree

When he sat his Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examination at Kodiaga Prison in Kisumu, Mr Aggrey Ondego’s mind was more on the certificate than the grade. Read more

Reduced KCSE Qualifiers Chance for Universities to Change Tack

Debate has been raging over the