400,000 Students at Risk: Why 21 Public Universities Are Failing Despite Reforms.
Over 400,000 students, representing 60 per cent of the total enrollment in Kenya’s public universities, are currently studying in institutions plagued by poor governance, according to a parliamentary briefing. Education Cabinet Secretary Migos Ogamba informed the National Assembly’s Public Investments Committee on Governance and Education that out of the 43 public universities, 21 are underperforming in management.
He explained that political patronage and ethnic favoritism in the appointment of Vice Chancellors and Council Members were the primary causes of the institutions’ mismanagement. Addressing the committee chaired by Bumula MP Wanami Wamboka, Mr Ogamba noted that while 20 universities were performing adequately, the remaining 21 were struggling due to political interference and governance failures.
“The 21 universities that are not performing account for more than 60 per cent or around 400,000 students out of the total enrollment of 800,000,” he emphasized. Raising concerns about proposed closures, he posed a rhetorical question, asking what would happen to the affected students if these struggling institutions were shut down.
During the session, Imenti Central MP Moses Kirima proposed that the underperforming universities be closed and students transferred to better-performing institutions. Mr Ogamba, however, expressed skepticism about the feasibility of the idea, asking the committee to consider the massive disruption such a move would cause.
Speaking directly to MPs, Mr Ogamba said, “If we kill these 21 universities, where will the 400,000 students go?” He stressed that rather than closure, the Ministry had initiated measures to address governance challenges by vetting candidates for Council appointments.
The Cabinet Secretary disclosed that the Ministry is reviewing qualifications for all University Councils to ensure only competent individuals are appointed. He explained that applicants will undergo thorough security background checks to determine their suitability before being hired.
Mr Ogamba told the committee, “We are now doing background checks on who will be hired to be members of the councils.” He further pointed out that 21 out of the 43 universities are experiencing serious governance issues, and underscored the need for a qualified leadership team in institutions of higher learning.
Currently, the Ministry is scrutinizing six university councils to ensure adherence to merit-based appointments. Mr Ogamba reassured MPs that most university councils are fully constituted, with only six institutions having minor vacancies ranging between two and three council members.
Audit Concerns and Staffing Challenges
Mr Ogamba had appeared before the committee to address broader concerns raised by Auditor General Nancy Gathungu. These included universities operating without Governing Councils, non-remittance of statutory deductions, ethnic and gender imbalances in staffing and appointments, officers in acting capacities beyond six months, and stalled projects.
In response to these concerns, Mr Ogamba stated, “The slow process of appointing Vice Chancellors and Councils is deliberate. We need to ensure that the people appointed meet all qualifications and uphold the governance standards expected.”
Emphasizing the importance of fairness, regional balance, and meritocracy in appointments, Mr Ogamba noted that the Ministry was committed to constitutional values. “In appointing university councils and boards of TVET institutions, we strive to abide by fairness, regional and gender balance, merit and competition,” he asserted.
He elaborated that the councils and boards play crucial roles in setting policies, offering strategic direction, overseeing financial management, and ensuring institutional accountability. Therefore, he insisted that it is essential to get the right mix of skills in leadership positions.
“As we speak, most of our university councils are fully constituted,” Mr Ogamba told the MPs. He added that the few existing vacancies would be filled once the ongoing recruitment process is finalized.
Mr Ogamba explained that after the Public Service Commission (PSC) completes the recruitment process, the names are forwarded to university councils, which then consult the Cabinet Secretary before formal appointments are made. He highlighted that beyond merit, other factors like gender and regional balance were also critical to ensuring that leadership reflects the diversity of Kenya.
“We will ensure that senior management appointments uphold gender inclusivity and regional representation,” he concluded.
400,000 Students at Risk: Why 21 Public Universities Are Failing Despite Reforms.
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