MPs Seeks to Bar Universities from Offering Diploma Courses.
The National Assembly Committee on Education and Research has endorsed a proposal under the Universities (Amendment) (No. 5) Bill, 2023, aimed at streamlining the education system.
This move would limit universities to offering degree and postgraduate programs, with diploma and basic certificate courses reserved for technical and vocational colleges.
The Bill, sponsored by Embakasi Central MP Benjamin Gathiru, seeks to eliminate overlapping roles between universities and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions.
The Committee stated that such overlap has led to inconsistencies in course quality, content, and duration.
The Education Committee emphasized that the current arrangement has caused duplication of roles, congestion in universities, and underutilization of resources. The dual regulation by the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TVETA) and the CUE has created confusion in the education sector.
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By limiting universities to degree and postgraduate programs, the Bill aims to ensure better resource utilization and align the institutions with their core mandates. The recommendation was also supported by the Presidential Working Party on Education Reforms.
Financial Implications for Universities
The proposal may significantly impact university revenues, as many public institutions rely on diploma and certificate programs as alternative income streams. Financially strained universities may face further challenges if the Bill is passed, as they would lose access to this market.
The Bill is part of broader educational reforms that aim to clarify institutional roles and improve course quality. If approved, universities will be restricted to offering degree and postgraduate programs, reinforcing the distinction between academic and technical training institutions.
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The National Assembly’s Committee on Education and Research has recommended significant reforms through several Bills targeting universities and technical and vocational education and training (TVET) institutions.
These proposed changes aim to streamline education management, resolve regulatory conflicts, and improve resource utilization.
MPs Seeks to Bar Universities from Offering Diploma Courses.
