• Over the years, there has been an explosion in the number of universities in Kenya, with public and private institutions springing up. As a result, some universities have emerged with inadequate resources, poor infrastructure, and low educational standards.
University education has been faced with many challenges from the New Funding Model, which was introduced in 2023 to ensure funding is based on students' financial status rather than the uniform funding that was previously used.

The model was opposed by students, which made the president have a conversation with the student leaders and later faced hurdles from the courts as it suspended implementation of the New Funding Model.

What is the role of the Commission of University Education in all these challenges facing University education? The Commission for University Education (CUE) in Kenya is responsible for ensuring that the country's higher education system is well-regulated, standardized, and aligned with national goals.

The commission is responsible for overseeing the establishment and operation of universities, accrediting programs, and ensuring that the quality of education meets set national and international standards.

Despite the essential role of CUE in shaping Kenya's higher education landscape, several challenges have surfaced over the years, mainly due to its failure to execute its mandate fully.
These challenges have had significant consequences on the quality of education, the overall growth of universities, and the employment prospects of graduates.

Over the years, there has been an explosion in the number of universities in Kenya, with public and private institutions springing up. As a result, some universities have emerged with inadequate resources, poor infrastructure, and low educational standards.

Improper regulation has led to a situation where some institutions operate below the expected academic and operational benchmarks, making it difficult for students to receive quality education.

Kenya has seen a sharp rise in student enrollment in universities, driven by an increased demand for higher education and the government's initiatives to expand access such as the reduction of cut off point to 46 by Dr. Fred Matiangi in 2016 the then Cabinet Secretary in charge of education.

Unfortunately, CUE has been unable to manage this growth effectively, leading to overcrowding in many universities, insufficient physical infrastructure and inadequate teaching and support staff, universities are struggling to maintain the quality of education.

Lecture halls are inadequate, and essential resources such as libraries, laboratories, and IT facilities are overstretched, hindering the overall learning experience.

CUE has been criticized for its limited capacity to monitor and evaluate the implementation of academic standards across the universities. The failure to regularly assess the teaching and learning environment in some institutions means that certain universities fall short of meeting quality standards.

As a result, students may graduate with degrees that are not fully recognized or valued in the job market. This undermines their employability and their capability to compete for available opportunities. Research and innovation are key components of a thriving university education system.

This lack of emphasis on research and innovation affects the academic reputation of Kenyan universities and limits their contribution to solving societal challenges.

One of the most significant criticisms of Kenya's degrees is the growing disconnect between the skills taught in universities and the actual needs of the job market.

While CUE ensures that curricula are updated and aligned with market demands, it has struggled to achieve this due to a lack of effective coordination between universities and industries. Graduates often find themselves underemployed or unable to secure jobs that match their qualifications.

This mismatch between education and employment opportunities can lead to frustration among graduates and contribute to unemployment in Kenya.

The Commission for University Education must up its game and work closely with universities, the government, the student bodies and other stakeholders to ensure that higher education is not only accessible but also of high quality.

If these issues are addressed, Kenyan universities will produce half-baked graduates who are well-equipped to meet the demands of the modern job market and contribute positively to the country's development.