The National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Education, led by Chairman Hon. Julius Kipbiwott Melly, visited the Commission for University Education (CUE) offices in Gigiri, Nairobi, on Thursday, 2nd October 2025.
The oversight visit formed part of Parliament’s mandate to engage government institutions, review their performance, and support them in meeting statutory obligations. For CUE, the meeting provided a valuable platform to showcase milestones, share challenges, and strengthen collaboration with the legislature in addressing emerging issues within the university subsector.
CUE’s management, led by Prof. Mike Kuria, the Commission Secretary/CEO, engaged the MPs in constructive discussions on accreditation, regulatory frameworks, budgetary needs, the Competency-Based Education (CBE) transition, and broader reforms aimed at enhancing quality assurance in higher education.
The National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Education, led by Hon. Melly Julius Kipbiwott (5th left), conducted an oversight and inspection visit to the Commission for University Education (CUE) on Thursday, 2nd October 2025. The delegation was received by CUE’s management team led by CEO Prof. Mike Kuria (5th right) alongside the institution’s top leadership, where discussions focused on strengthening oversight and enhancing quality assurance in the university subsector.
Highlights of the Discussions
Accreditation and Universities Regulations 2023
The Commission appealed for Parliament’s support in clarifying the respective roles of CUE and professional bodies in accreditation, to avoid overlaps and enhance efficiency.
The Committee emphasized the importance of finalizing the Universities Regulations 2023. Hon. Melly encouraged CUE to expedite stakeholder consultations and submit the regulations for consideration, noting their role in strengthening university governance.
Commission Secretary/CEO, Prof. Mike Kuria (second left), welcomes members of the National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Education to the Commission offices in Gigiri, Nairobi, on 2nd October 2025.
Competency-Based Education (CBE): Preparing for 2029
With the first cohort of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) expected to join universities in 2029, the Committee sought updates on CUE’s readiness for this transition.
Prof. Kuria assured members that progress is underway but underscored the need for increased budgetary allocations to ensure universities are well-prepared for the shift.
Harmonizing Roles with Professional Bodies
The Committee highlighted the need for stronger collaboration between CUE and professional bodies in matters of accreditation. Members proposed that including representatives of professional bodies on the CUE Board would provide a structured platform for dialogue and coordination.
Prof. Kuria welcomed the proposal, reiterating the Commission’s commitment to harmonized regulatory frameworks that reduce duplication and promote synergy.
Oversight of Religious Colleges
Concerns were raised about the growing number of unaccredited institutions operating under the guise of religious colleges. The Committee encouraged CUE to strengthen oversight measures and explore regional best practices to protect students and uphold the credibility of Kenya’s higher education system.
Addressing Fake Degrees
The Committee underscored the importance of safeguarding the integrity of academic qualifications. Members sought updates on CUE’s ongoing interventions to curb the proliferation of fake degrees.
Prof. Kuria highlighted that the Commission has already initiated legal action against four institutions operating illegally, in collaboration with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations. He noted that public awareness campaigns and the publication of lists of illegal operators remain central to CUE’s strategy.
Policy on Honorary Degrees
Discussions also touched on the misuse of honorary degrees. The Commission reported progress in developing a draft National Policy on Honorary Degrees aimed at standardizing the awarding process and ensuring transparency. The Committee welcomed this initiative as an important safeguard of academic integrity.
University Campuses: Law and Compliance
The Committee sought clarity on the establishment and closure of university campuses. CUE explained that institutions are guided by clear compliance standards, and decisions are based on quality assurance rather than external influence.
Mr. Joseph Musyoki, Deputy Director for Institutional Accreditation, confirmed that institutions that fail to meet compliance requirements face closure in line with established guidelines.
Members of the National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Education follow the proceedings of a meeting held at the Commission for University Education (CUE) headquarters in Gigiri, Nairobi, on 2nd October 2025
Clearing University Debts and Budgetary Support
Members were informed that universities owe CUE Sh935 million in unpaid fees. The Committee proposed a structured repayment model, potentially through deductions from universities’ exchequer allocations.
On budget performance, MPs encouraged CUE to explore the use of internally generated revenue to supplement activities. Prof. Kuria appealed for parliamentary support in funding the Universities Research and Training Centre (URTC) and strengthening security around CUE’s premises, noting that these investments are essential for operational stability.
Internationalization and Visa Barriers
As Kenya continues to attract international students, the Committee encouraged CUE to provide leadership in addressing visa and work permit challenges that hinder internationalization. Both sides agreed that resolving these barriers is critical for positioning Kenya as a competitive hub for higher education.
Graduate Employability and Market-Driven Programmes
Graduate employability featured prominently in the discussions. The Committee encouraged CUE to take a stronger role in guiding universities to develop market-relevant programmes.
Prof. Kuria informed members that the Commission has developed a Code Book of Academic Programmes, aligned with international standards, and conducts audits every four years to review programme relevance.
Members welcomed these initiatives and emphasized the importance of ensuring that graduates are equipped with skills that match Kenya’s economic needs. Hon. Dick Maungu and Chairman Hon. Melly both called for closer alignment between academic programmes and labour market demand.
Action Points and Way Forward
- CUE to finalize the Universities Regulations 2023 and submit them to Parliament.
- Parliament to support budget requests, debt recovery mechanisms, and infrastructure projects at CUE.
- Strengthened collaboration on accreditation, oversight of rogue institutions, and market-driven reforms in higher education.
Members of the Parliamentary Delegation
- Hon. Julius Melly Kipbiwott (Chairman)
- Hon. Prof. Phylis Jepkemoi Bartoo
- Hon. Julius Manaiba Taitumu
- Hon. Joseph Makilap
- Hon. Rebecca Noonaishi Tonkei
- Hon. Abdul Ebrahim Haro
- Hon. Elijah Njore Njoroge Korari
- Hon. Jerusha Mongina Momanyi
- Hon. Clive Ombane Gisairo
- Hon. Peter Ochieng Orero
- Hon. Nabii Nabwera Daraja
- Hon. Dick Maungu Oyugi
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