(Nairobi) – The Committee on Education and Research of the National Assembly has recommended that Parliament approve a Private Member’s Bill aimed at preventing universities from offering basic certificates and diplomas. If the Universities (Amendment) Bill (No 5) of 2023 is passed, it will restrict universities to offering degree and postgraduate programs, while reserving basic certifications for technical and vocational education and training (TVET) institutions.
The Bill, sponsored by Embakasi Central MP Benjamin Gathiru, is based on the argument that universities and TVET institutions are currently overlapping in offering certificate and diploma courses. This overlap has led to unnecessary competition, overcrowding in universities, and underutilized resources, according to the committee’s report. Additionally, the committee noted that the involvement of both the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TVETA) and the Commission for University Education (CUE) in certifying these programs has caused regulatory confusion and inconsistency in course quality, content, and duration.
The proposed law also seeks to prevent the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) from placing students in diploma or certificate courses at universities. However, the Bill includes a provision that allows students already enrolled in these programs to complete their studies without disruption.
Once passed, universities will only be permitted to offer postgraduate certificates and diplomas, leaving basic qualifications to TVET institutions. This proposal is also supported by the Presidential Working Party on Education Reforms.
In addition to the Universities (Amendment) Bill, the Committee on Education and Research has recommended several other amendments. One of these is the Universities (Amendment) Bill (No. 16 of 2024), which aims to streamline the appointment process for public university chancellors. This Bill, sponsored by Kilifi North MP Owen Baya, proposes removing the Public Service Commission (PSC) from the process and allowing university senates to directly submit three candidate names to the President for selection.
Another Bill under discussion, the Universities (Amendment) Bill (No. 38) of 2023, sponsored by Bumula MP Jack Wamboka, suggests removing private universities’ representation on the KUCCPS board. However, the committee disagreed with this proposal, citing KUCCPS’s role in advising the government on university and college placement.
The Basic Education (Amendment) Bill (No. 59) of 2023, sponsored by Maragua MP Mary Wamaua, is also under consideration. This Bill aims to decentralize education oversight by creating sub-county education boards in every sub-county.
The Universities (Amendment) Bill (No. 64) of 2023, sponsored by Khwisero MP Christopher Wangaya, seeks to stop the use of public funds for private universities and prevent KUCCPS from placing government-sponsored students in private institutions. This follows a trend in recent years where KUCCPS has not placed students in private universities.
The committee has recommended these Bills for further consideration in Parliament, and they will be debated in the coming sessions.