The government will support both public and private universities to ensure they align themselves to the Competency Based Curriculum (CBC) as proposed in the new education reforms.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula said the reforms are meant to improve the quality of education and that all universities will receive support during its implementation.
Speaking during Mt Kenya University’s 23rd graduation ceremony held at Thika, Wetang’ula said the government had adequate resources to support all universities, especially in areas of research and innovation, employment of trainers as well as science and technology among other areas.
“We want to assure our private universities that there was no cause for alarm. The government will continue to fund both public and private universities to improve the quality of education and produce marketable students, “he said.
The education reforms were recommended by the Presidential Working Party on Education Reforms and aims to reform the sector.
The National Assembly Speaker at the same time called on graduates to explore opportunities outside the country saying the locally available ones, were too few for the thousands of graduates being churned out of our universities annually.
He said the country had invested heavily on manpower and continues to produce marketable students, who are able to work across the globe.
‘Kenyans have the capability to adapt everywhere. In all the countries I have traveled to, there are Kenyans who are successfully working there. So, stop crying, get a visa and look for jobs outside the country, “Wetangula said.
The University’s Chairman Prof. Simon Gicharu announced that the university would waive fees arrears for over 4, 000 students amounting to Sh80 million to enable them receive their academic certificates.
Gicharu said the move was taken to reduce cases of depression that most of those students are going through as they fail to get jobs due to lack of the certificates.
“During Covid-19 years, students used to sit for exams despite having fees arrears. The total levies amount is about Sh80 million. And on behalf of the Board of Directors, I would like to announce a waiver of all the fines. All past students can now come and collect their certificates without having to pay a cent,” Gicharu said.
During the ceremony, International Criminal Court (ICC) Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan received an honorary Doctor of Law Degree.
Dr. Khan hailed the value of education in the growth and development of humanity.
“I encourage all of us to invest tirelessly towards making education accessible and affordable,” he added.
By Muoki Charles
