Kenyan Students Face Crisis as Foreign University Recruitment Agencies Licenses Set to Expire
Kenyan students aiming to study at foreign universities are facing a crisis as the licenses of 39 recognized agents responsible for linking them to these institutions are set to expire soon.
The Commission for University Education (CUE) presented documents to the National Assembly Committee on diaspora and migrant workers indicating that the licenses of these 39 agencies will expire on June 19, 2024.
This impending expiration will leave students in a vulnerable position, unable to verify the authenticity of foreign universities through government channels, which increases the risk of being misled or receiving unrecognized certificates.
Of the 86 agencies legally recognized to recruit Kenyan students for foreign universities, only 39 currently have valid licenses, as reported to the MPs by the commission.
Additionally, 32 agencies have applied for approval, nine are awaiting re-licensing, four are awaiting inspection, and two have closed.
Dr. Eunice Marete, head of the Standards and Quality Assurance Division at the commission, explained to the committee that only approved recruitment agencies are authorized to recruit students for foreign universities.
She mentioned that the commission had been without a board until recently, but now, with a board in place, it would start processing the pending applications of the 32 agencies.
The Commission for University Education, under the Universities Act No.42 of 2012 and subsequent regulations and guidelines, is responsible for licensing student recruitment agencies.
This licensing ensures that agencies are regulated to protect Kenyan students wishing to pursue higher education abroad. It also enables the commission to take action against illegal operations and ensures that students are admitted to accredited institutions.
Licensing involves a thorough vetting process conducted in collaboration with the National Intelligence Service (NIS). Agencies must provide comprehensive information, including their name, physical and email addresses, contact persons, and application status. This information helps the NIS conduct background checks.
When applying for a license, agencies must report details about the students they recruit, including the university, country, gender, program, level of study, and sponsorship type.
If students are on scholarships, agencies must disclose the sponsoring organization. Agencies must also meet other legal requirements, such as having a certificate of incorporation, a business license, and a freight certificate.
Dr. Marete raised concerns about agencies beginning operations immediately after obtaining basic documents without securing a commission license.
To address this, the commission is collaborating with NIS, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, and county governments to ensure compliance.
She also pointed out the challenge posed by agencies operating online due to advanced internet connectivity, which complicates the commission’s regulatory efforts.
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The committee, responsible for policies and programs protecting the rights and welfare of Kenyans abroad, is investigating the legality of recruitment by these agencies.
Dr. Marete stated that the commission is keen on acting upon any negative information about agencies received from mainstream and social media.
Unfortunately, many parents and guardians have fallen victim to fraudulent agencies, losing millions of shillings to scams promising admissions to prestigious universities.
These scams have left parents financially strained while their children’s educational dreams remain unfulfilled.
In summary, the licensing of student recruitment agencies by the Commission for University Education ensures regulation and protection for Kenyan students aspiring to study abroad, while collaboration with other government bodies aims to curb illegal operations and fraud.
Kenyan Students Face Crisis as Foreign University Recruitment Agencies Licenses Set to Expire
