On November 13, 2024, the Commission for University Education (CUE) unveiled its Strategic Plan for 2024–2028 at the Pride Inn Azure Hotel in Nairobi. This five-year plan was presented by the Cabinet Secretary for Education, Hon. Julius Migosi Ogamba, who highlighted its transformative role in shaping Kenya's university education sector to meet national development goals.

In his speech, Hon. Ogamba emphasized that the plan aligns with key national policies, including Sessional Paper No. 1 of 2019, the draft Sessional Paper of 2024, and the Presidential Working Party on Education Reforms (PWPER) Report. He reaffirmed that the Strategic Plan would position universities as central players in driving research, innovation, and skills development—critical for Kenya’s growth and the achievement of Vision 2030. The focus is on equipping universities to cultivate skilled professionals and forward-thinking leaders to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world. Hon. Ogamba stressed that the plan also aims to ensure universities produce industry-ready graduates with critical problem-solving skills, capable of contributing to the Kenyan economy and beyond.

The Cabinet Secretary underscored the importance of Competency-Based Education (CBE) in preparing graduates for the modern job market, a key feature of the Strategic Plan. He also emphasized the role of data-driven decision-making, which will guide curriculum design and resource allocation to ensure institutions remain responsive to market needs. Furthermore, Hon. Ogamba called for stronger collaborations with both the public and private sectors to fund research and strengthen university-industry linkages, ensuring that Kenya’s universities remain competitive on the global stage

 
(Cabinet Secretary for Education, Hon. Julius Migosi Ogamba delivers his remarks during the launch of our strategic plan)
Prof. Chacha Nyaigotti-Chacha, the Chairman of CUE, also addressed the launch event, emphasizing the importance of quality, relevance, and sustainability in university education. He called for active collaboration to achieve CUE’s vision of a world-class education system that meets both national and global demands. The Chairman highlighted CUE’s commitment to institutional capacity building, promoting governance, accountability, and resource allocation to help universities thrive in a competitive global environment.
 

(Prof. Chacha Nyaigotti-Chacha, the Chairman of CUE delivers his remarks during the launch of our strategic plan)
Commissioner CPA Vincent Nyabiosi shared the Commission’s bold vision for elevating university education in Kenya, focusing on Quality & Relevance, Data-Driven Decisions, CBE Alignment, Diversity & Inclusivity, and Institutional Capacity. He outlined the Commission's strategy to promote these pillars, which are integral to the plan's success.
 
(Commissioner CPA Vincent Nyabiosi delivers his remarks during the launch of our strategic plan)
The launch event was also attended by various dignitaries, including Vice-Chancellors, CEOs of higher education agencies, and representatives from professional bodies. The strong sector-wide support underscores the significance of the Strategic Plan in advancing Kenya’s higher education agenda.
CUE’s CEO, Prof. Mike Kuria, highlighted the plan’s data-centric approach to improving academic programs and student outcomes, ensuring curricula remain relevant to the dynamic job market. He also emphasized the Commission's commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusivity, ensuring that economic, social, and geographical barriers do not prevent access to quality university education. Prof. Kuria discussed how the plan would promote digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and technology-based curricula to equip Kenyan graduates with the skills needed for the country’s growing digital economy.
 
(CUE’s CEO, Prof. Mike Kuria  delivers his remarks during the launch of our strategic plan)
In conclusion, the CUE Strategic Plan for 2024–2028 aims to build a resilient, inclusive, and globally competitive higher education system. By embracing innovation, promoting partnerships, and ensuring a focus on competencies and market-driven education, the plan paves the way for Kenya’s universities to play a critical role in the nation’s socio-economic development and global standing.