University leaders and education experts from East Africa met in Nairobi from 17th to 19th March, 2025 to discuss ways to improve and harmonize higher education in the region. The focus of the three-day forum was on accreditation, curriculum, certification, and recognition of qualifications across East African Community (EAC) countries.
This meeting follows the declaration made in 2017 that established the EAC as a Common Higher Education Area. Organized by the Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA), the event brought together vice-chancellors and experts from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, and Sudan. Universities represented in the forum included University of Nairobi, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology, Pwani University, Islamic University of Kenya, United States International University-Africa, Murang’a University of Technology, Meru University of Science and Technology, and The Aga Khan University, among others.
Speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Education, the Secretary Administration, Dr. Fredrick Ndambuki emphasized that the forum aimed to align higher education with EAC policies and treaties. Discussions focused on whether universities are equipping graduates with the right skills, how competitive the region’s education is globally, and what challenges prevent student and staff mobility across borders.
EAC Vice-Chancellors, representatives, higher education experts, IUCEA Executive Secretary, Prof. Gaspard Banyankimbona (4th from left), Secretary Administration (MoE), Dr. Fredrick Ndambuki (5th from left), and the Commission for University Education CS/CEO, Prof. Mike Kuria (5th from right) attending the National Sensitization Forum on the EAC Common Higher Education Area in Nairobi from 17th to 19th March 2025.
One major challenge is the difference in tuition fees across countries, which makes education less accessible. The EAC Council of Ministers called on IUCEA to harmonize tuition structures to promote regional integration. Other issues include maintaining education quality, strengthening regulations, and addressing fraudulent qualifications.
IUCEA Executive Secretary Prof. Gaspard Banyankimbona highlighted the role of higher education in regional integration.
Prof. Gaspard Banyankimbona, IUCEA Executive Secretary
“IUCEA has developed policies to improve teaching quality, standardize postgraduate studies, and promote academic exchange programs. Key initiatives include regional accreditation of academic programs and the EAC Student Mobility and Scholarship Scheme (EAC-SMS), which many universities have already joined”, Prof. Banyankimbona told the delegates.
To make higher education more accessible, Prof. Banyankimbona said that IUCEA is considering a model where students can pay tuition in local currencies. The possible inclusion of Somalia in the EAC is also opening new opportunities for higher education collaboration.
Prof. Mike Kuria, CS/CEO of the Commission for University Education (CUE), reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to the EAC Common Higher Education Area, first signed in 2017 by then-Deputy President, now President, Hon. William Ruto.
The Commission CEO encouraged universities to participate in EAC scholarship programs, joint research, and academic exchange initiatives.
Prof. Mike Kuria, Commission for University Education Secretary/CEO
The meeting is expected to lead to concrete strategies to improve education quality, strengthen regional cooperation, and enhance the global competitiveness of East African universities. IUCEA thanked the Government of Kenya and participating universities for their support.
By Evelyn Okewo
Principal Corporate Communication Officer-CUE
Monday, 17th March,2025