2 - Operationalisation of the Commission for University Education’s Guidelines for Teaching and Learning in Kenya’s Public Universities
Journal of Higher Education in Africa,
Vol. 21 No. 1 (2023): Journal of Higher Education in Africa
Abstract
This article examines the capacities and structures within Kenya’s public universities to operationalise guidelines from the Commission for University Education (CUE) regarding quality academic practices. The concerns of the study arose from evident increasing number of students in public universities in the absence of matching resources. This article presents an analysis of the CUE guidelines issued to universities concerning teaching and learning resources, as well as an evaluation of the extent to which these guidelines have been implemented in four selected public universities. The argument made is that effective management cultures and capacities determine successful implementation of CUE’s standards and guidelines, which translates to quality teaching and learning practices. Conversely, a weak management culture restricts the effective application of the guidelines. The article points out several obstacles that the institution and regulator must address to implement the guidelines effectively. The obstacles include resistance to change, inadequate facilities, underfunding, understaffing and lack of capacity building.
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- Alabi, G., and Alabi, J., 2014, ‘Understanding the factors that influence leadership effectiveness of deans in Ghana’, JHEA/RESA, Vol. 12, No. 1, pp. 111–32
- Altbach, P., and Knight, J., 2007, ‘Internationalization of higher education: motivations and realities’, Journal of Studies in International Education, Vol. 11, No. 3–4, pp. 290–305.
- Ayers, P., 1999, ‘Exploring the relationship between high school facilities and achievement of high school students in Georgia’, Unpublished PhD Thesis, University of Georgia.
- Black, S., 2015, ‘Qualities of effective leadership in higher education’, Open Journal of Leadership, Vol. 4, No. 2, pp. 54–66.
- Blatchford, P., 2003, The Class Size Debate: Is Small Better? Maidenhead: Open University Press.
- Blatchford, P., and Lai, K., 2012, ‘Class size: arguments and evidence’, In B. McGraw, E. Baker, and P. P. Peterson, eds, International Encyclopaedia of Education, 3rd edn. Oxford: Elsevier.
- Boit J., and Kipkoech, L., 2012, ‘Liberalization of higher education in Kenya: challenges and prospects’, International Journal of Academic Research in Progressive Education and Development, Vol. 1, No. 2, pp. 33–41.
- Bond, S., 1997, ‘Service and self-respect: women of influence in Latin American universities’, UNESCO 5th NGO Consultation on Women Graduates and the Labour Market, Paris.
- Constance, E., and Pletsch-Betancourt, M., 2009, ‘Emerging transformation in higher education: concepts-projects-networks’, Paper presented at DAAD UNISTATT Forum, Kassel University.
- CUE (Commission of University Education), 2014, The Universities Regulations 2014, Kenya Gazette Supplement No. 86, Government of Kenya.
- CUE, 2017, State of University Education in Kenya 2016/2017, Government of Kenya, Nairobi.
- CUE, 2018, University Statistics 2018/2019, Government of Kenya, Nairobi. CUE, 2023, University Statistics 2022/2023, Government of Kenya, Nairobi. CUE, 2024, Quality: The agenda, University Statistics 2024/2025, Government of Kenya, Nairobi.
- Drew, G., 2010, ‘Issues and challenges in higher education leadership: engaging for change’, Australian Educational Researcher, Vol. 37, No. 3, pp. 57–76.
- Fullan, M., and Scott, G., 2009, Turnaround Leadership for Higher Education, San Francisco, CA: John Wiley & Sons.
- Githaiga, J., and Tuitong, D., 2009. ‘Quality assurance in higher education: collaboration or competition among institutions?’ Paper presented at DAAD UNISTATT Forum, Kassel University.
- Glass, G., and Smith, M., 1978, ‘Meta-analysis of research on class size and achievement’, Educational Evaluation and Policy Analysis, Vol. 1, No. 1, pp. 2–16.
- Graue, E., and Rauscher, E., 2009, ‘Researcher perspectives on class size reduction education’, Policy Analysis Archives, Vol. 17, No. 9, pp. 1–26.
- Gudo, C., Olel, M., and Oanda, I., 2011, ‘University expansion on Kenya and issues of quality education: challenges and opportunities’,. International Journal of Business and Social Science, Vol. 2, No. 20, pp. 203–14.
- Hathaway, W., 1995, ‘Effects of school lighting on physical development and school performance’, The Journal of Educational Research, Vol. 88, pp. 228–42.
- Hénard, F., and Roseveare, D., 2012, ‘An IMHE guide for higher education institutions’, OECD.
- Hornsby, D., Osman, R., and De Matos J., 2013, Teaching Large Classes: Interdisciplinary Perspectives for Quality Tertiary Education, Stellenbosch: SUN Media.
- IUCEA (Inter-University Council for East Africa), 2010, A Roadmap to Quality: Handbook for Quality Assurance In Higher Education, IUCEA and DAAD. Kadenyi, M., 2009, ‘Challenges in the implementation and management of part-time degree programs in Kenyan universities’, Paper Presented at Kenya Institute of Management.
- Keener, B., Carrier, S., and Meaders, S., 2002, ‘Resource development in community colleges: a national overview’, Community College Journal of Research and Practice, Vol. 26, pp. 7–23.
- Kilonzo, S., Sandfort, J., and Liu, H., 2016, ‘Using multi-media learning objects in public affairs classrooms: global experiences with Hubert e-cases & e-studies’, Journal of Public Affairs Education, Vol. 22, No. 3, pp. 345–62.
- KNBS (Kenya National Bureau of Statistics), 2017, Economic Survey 2017, Nairobi. KNBS (Kenya National Bureau of Statistics), 2018, Economic Survey 2018, Nairobi. Kothari, C.R., 2004, Research Methodology: Methods and Techniques. New Delhi:
- New Age International Limited.
- Kumar, R., 2011, Research Methodology: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners, New Delhi: Sage Publishers.
- MacCowan, T., 2018, ‘Quality of higher education in Kenya: addressing the conundrum’, International Journal of Education Development, Vol. 60, pp. 128–37.
- Mamdani, M., 2007, Scholars in the Marketplace: The Dilemmas of Neo-Liberal Reform at Makerere University, 1989–2005, Dakar: CODESRIA.
- Mange, M., 2013, ‘Management challenges facing Kenya’s public universities and implications for the quality of education’, Unpublished PhD Thesis, Kenyatta University.
- Marginson, S., 2016, ‘The worldwide trend to high participation higher education: Dynamics of social stratification in inclusive systems’, Higher Education, Vol. 72, No. 4, pp. 413–34.
- Ministry of Education, 2016, Towards a Globally Competitive Quality Education for Sustainable Development, Nairobi: Government Printers.
- Ministry of Education, 2018, National Education Sector Strategic Plan for the Period 2018–2022, Nairobi: Government Printers.
- MOEST (Ministry of Education, Science and Technology), 2012, A Policy Framework for Education: Aligning Education and Training to the Constitution of Kenya (2010) and Kenya Vision 2030 and Beyond, Nairobi: Government Printers.
- Mohamedbhai, G., 2008, The Effects of Massification on HE in Africa, Accra: Association of African Universities.
- Morawczynski, O., and Ngwenyama, O., 2007, ‘Unraveling the impact of investments in ICT, education and health on development: an analysis of archival data of five west African countries using regression splines’, Electronic Journal on Information Systems in Developing Countries, Vol. 29, No. 5, pp. 1–15.
- Muema, M., and Lavery, M., 2018, ‘Redefining quality in higher education: the concept of juakalization’, English Teaching, Vol. 15, No. 9, pp. 415–28.
- Mukhwana, J. Kande, A., and Too, J., 2017, ‘Transforming higher education in Africa: lessons from Kenya’, Journal of Rural Development, Vol. 2, No. 3, pp. 341–52.
- Mukhwana, E., Oure, S., Kiptoo, S., Kande, A., Njue, R., Too, J. and Some, D.K., 2016, State of University Education in Kenya, Discussion paper No. 4, Nairobi: Commission for University Education.
- Mulinge, M., Arasa, J., and Wawire, V., 2017, The Status of Student Involvement in University Governance in Kenya: The Case of Public and Private Universities, Dakar: CODESRIA.
- Muriisa, R., 2014, ‘Rethinking the role of universities in Africa: leadership as a missing link in explaining university performance in Uganda’, JHEA/RESA, Vol. 12, No 1, pp. 69–92.
- Nabwire, K., 2016, ‘Innovative pedagogies in institutions of higher learning: building a better future’, European Journal of Education Studies, Vol. 1, No. 2.
- Nyerere, J., Gravenir, F., and Mse, G., 2012, ‘Delivery of open, distance and e-learning in Kenya’, International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning, Vol. 13, No. 3, 185–205.
- Odhiambo, G., 2018, ‘The role of Kenyan universities in Kenyan in national development’, FIRE:Forum for International Research in Education, Vol. 4, No. 3, pp. 191–209.
- Prosser, M., and Trigwell, K., 1999,Understanding Learning and Teaching, Buckingham: The Society for Research into Higher Education and Open University Press.
- Ramsden P., 1998, ‘Managing the effective university’, Higher Education Research and Development, Vol. 17, No. 3, pp. 347–70.
- Sall, E., and Oanda, I., 2014, ‘Revitalizing higher education for Africa’s future’, JHEA/RESA, Vol. 12, No. 2, pp. 95–107.
- Sampong, K., 2009, ‘An evaluative study of a distance teacher education program in a university in Ghana’, International Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning, Vol. 10, No. 4.
- Shin, J.C., and Harman, G., 2009, ‘New challenges for higher education: global and Asia-Pacific perspectives’, Asia Pacific Education Review, Vol. 10, No. 1, pp. 1–13.
- Sifuna, D., 1998, ‘The governance of Kenyan public universities’, Research in Post- Compulsory Education, Vol. 3, No. 2, pp. 175–212.
- Sifuna, D., 2006, ‘The challenge of increasing access and improving quality: an analysis of universal primary education (UPE) interventions in Kenya and Tanzania since the 1970s’, International Review of Education, Vol. 53, No. 5–6.
- Weng’ua, F., Rotich, D., and Kogos, E., 2017, ‘The role of Kenyan universities in promoting research and scholarly publishing’, South African Journal of Libraries & Information Science, Vol. 83, No. 2, pp. 23–29.
- Yego, H., 2016, ‘Challenges facing higher education in management of privately sponsored student programs in Kenya’, British Journal of Education, Vol. 4, No. 8, pp. 52–62.
References
Alabi, G., and Alabi, J., 2014, ‘Understanding the factors that influence leadership effectiveness of deans in Ghana’, JHEA/RESA, Vol. 12, No. 1, pp. 111–32
Altbach, P., and Knight, J., 2007, ‘Internationalization of higher education: motivations and realities’, Journal of Studies in International Education, Vol. 11, No. 3–4, pp. 290–305.
Ayers, P., 1999, ‘Exploring the relationship between high school facilities and achievement of high school students in Georgia’, Unpublished PhD Thesis, University of Georgia.
Black, S., 2015, ‘Qualities of effective leadership in higher education’, Open Journal of Leadership, Vol. 4, No. 2, pp. 54–66.
Blatchford, P., 2003, The Class Size Debate: Is Small Better? Maidenhead: Open University Press.
Blatchford, P., and Lai, K., 2012, ‘Class size: arguments and evidence’, In B. McGraw, E. Baker, and P. P. Peterson, eds, International Encyclopaedia of Education, 3rd edn. Oxford: Elsevier.
Boit J., and Kipkoech, L., 2012, ‘Liberalization of higher education in Kenya: challenges and prospects’, International Journal of Academic Research in Progressive Education and Development, Vol. 1, No. 2, pp. 33–41.
Bond, S., 1997, ‘Service and self-respect: women of influence in Latin American universities’, UNESCO 5th NGO Consultation on Women Graduates and the Labour Market, Paris.
Constance, E., and Pletsch-Betancourt, M., 2009, ‘Emerging transformation in higher education: concepts-projects-networks’, Paper presented at DAAD UNISTATT Forum, Kassel University.
CUE (Commission of University Education), 2014, The Universities Regulations 2014, Kenya Gazette Supplement No. 86, Government of Kenya.
CUE, 2017, State of University Education in Kenya 2016/2017, Government of Kenya, Nairobi.
CUE, 2018, University Statistics 2018/2019, Government of Kenya, Nairobi. CUE, 2023, University Statistics 2022/2023, Government of Kenya, Nairobi. CUE, 2024, Quality: The agenda, University Statistics 2024/2025, Government of Kenya, Nairobi.
Drew, G., 2010, ‘Issues and challenges in higher education leadership: engaging for change’, Australian Educational Researcher, Vol. 37, No. 3, pp. 57–76.
Fullan, M., and Scott, G., 2009, Turnaround Leadership for Higher Education, San Francisco, CA: John Wiley & Sons.
Githaiga, J., and Tuitong, D., 2009. ‘Quality assurance in higher education: collaboration or competition among institutions?’ Paper presented at DAAD UNISTATT Forum, Kassel University.
Glass, G., and Smith, M., 1978, ‘Meta-analysis of research on class size and achievement’, Educational Evaluation and Policy Analysis, Vol. 1, No. 1, pp. 2–16.
Graue, E., and Rauscher, E., 2009, ‘Researcher perspectives on class size reduction education’, Policy Analysis Archives, Vol. 17, No. 9, pp. 1–26.
Gudo, C., Olel, M., and Oanda, I., 2011, ‘University expansion on Kenya and issues of quality education: challenges and opportunities’,. International Journal of Business and Social Science, Vol. 2, No. 20, pp. 203–14.
Hathaway, W., 1995, ‘Effects of school lighting on physical development and school performance’, The Journal of Educational Research, Vol. 88, pp. 228–42.
Hénard, F., and Roseveare, D., 2012, ‘An IMHE guide for higher education institutions’, OECD.
Hornsby, D., Osman, R., and De Matos J., 2013, Teaching Large Classes: Interdisciplinary Perspectives for Quality Tertiary Education, Stellenbosch: SUN Media.
IUCEA (Inter-University Council for East Africa), 2010, A Roadmap to Quality: Handbook for Quality Assurance In Higher Education, IUCEA and DAAD. Kadenyi, M., 2009, ‘Challenges in the implementation and management of part-time degree programs in Kenyan universities’, Paper Presented at Kenya Institute of Management.
Keener, B., Carrier, S., and Meaders, S., 2002, ‘Resource development in community colleges: a national overview’, Community College Journal of Research and Practice, Vol. 26, pp. 7–23.
Kilonzo, S., Sandfort, J., and Liu, H., 2016, ‘Using multi-media learning objects in public affairs classrooms: global experiences with Hubert e-cases & e-studies’, Journal of Public Affairs Education, Vol. 22, No. 3, pp. 345–62.
KNBS (Kenya National Bureau of Statistics), 2017, Economic Survey 2017, Nairobi. KNBS (Kenya National Bureau of Statistics), 2018, Economic Survey 2018, Nairobi. Kothari, C.R., 2004, Research Methodology: Methods and Techniques. New Delhi:
New Age International Limited.
Kumar, R., 2011, Research Methodology: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners, New Delhi: Sage Publishers.
MacCowan, T., 2018, ‘Quality of higher education in Kenya: addressing the conundrum’, International Journal of Education Development, Vol. 60, pp. 128–37.
Mamdani, M., 2007, Scholars in the Marketplace: The Dilemmas of Neo-Liberal Reform at Makerere University, 1989–2005, Dakar: CODESRIA.
Mange, M., 2013, ‘Management challenges facing Kenya’s public universities and implications for the quality of education’, Unpublished PhD Thesis, Kenyatta University.
Marginson, S., 2016, ‘The worldwide trend to high participation higher education: Dynamics of social stratification in inclusive systems’, Higher Education, Vol. 72, No. 4, pp. 413–34.
Ministry of Education, 2016, Towards a Globally Competitive Quality Education for Sustainable Development, Nairobi: Government Printers.
Ministry of Education, 2018, National Education Sector Strategic Plan for the Period 2018–2022, Nairobi: Government Printers.
MOEST (Ministry of Education, Science and Technology), 2012, A Policy Framework for Education: Aligning Education and Training to the Constitution of Kenya (2010) and Kenya Vision 2030 and Beyond, Nairobi: Government Printers.
Mohamedbhai, G., 2008, The Effects of Massification on HE in Africa, Accra: Association of African Universities.
Morawczynski, O., and Ngwenyama, O., 2007, ‘Unraveling the impact of investments in ICT, education and health on development: an analysis of archival data of five west African countries using regression splines’, Electronic Journal on Information Systems in Developing Countries, Vol. 29, No. 5, pp. 1–15.
Muema, M., and Lavery, M., 2018, ‘Redefining quality in higher education: the concept of juakalization’, English Teaching, Vol. 15, No. 9, pp. 415–28.
Mukhwana, J. Kande, A., and Too, J., 2017, ‘Transforming higher education in Africa: lessons from Kenya’, Journal of Rural Development, Vol. 2, No. 3, pp. 341–52.
Mukhwana, E., Oure, S., Kiptoo, S., Kande, A., Njue, R., Too, J. and Some, D.K., 2016, State of University Education in Kenya, Discussion paper No. 4, Nairobi: Commission for University Education.
Mulinge, M., Arasa, J., and Wawire, V., 2017, The Status of Student Involvement in University Governance in Kenya: The Case of Public and Private Universities, Dakar: CODESRIA.
Muriisa, R., 2014, ‘Rethinking the role of universities in Africa: leadership as a missing link in explaining university performance in Uganda’, JHEA/RESA, Vol. 12, No 1, pp. 69–92.
Nabwire, K., 2016, ‘Innovative pedagogies in institutions of higher learning: building a better future’, European Journal of Education Studies, Vol. 1, No. 2.
Nyerere, J., Gravenir, F., and Mse, G., 2012, ‘Delivery of open, distance and e-learning in Kenya’, International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning, Vol. 13, No. 3, 185–205.
Odhiambo, G., 2018, ‘The role of Kenyan universities in Kenyan in national development’, FIRE:Forum for International Research in Education, Vol. 4, No. 3, pp. 191–209.
Prosser, M., and Trigwell, K., 1999,Understanding Learning and Teaching, Buckingham: The Society for Research into Higher Education and Open University Press.
Ramsden P., 1998, ‘Managing the effective university’, Higher Education Research and Development, Vol. 17, No. 3, pp. 347–70.
Sall, E., and Oanda, I., 2014, ‘Revitalizing higher education for Africa’s future’, JHEA/RESA, Vol. 12, No. 2, pp. 95–107.
Sampong, K., 2009, ‘An evaluative study of a distance teacher education program in a university in Ghana’, International Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning, Vol. 10, No. 4.
Shin, J.C., and Harman, G., 2009, ‘New challenges for higher education: global and Asia-Pacific perspectives’, Asia Pacific Education Review, Vol. 10, No. 1, pp. 1–13.
Sifuna, D., 1998, ‘The governance of Kenyan public universities’, Research in Post- Compulsory Education, Vol. 3, No. 2, pp. 175–212.
Sifuna, D., 2006, ‘The challenge of increasing access and improving quality: an analysis of universal primary education (UPE) interventions in Kenya and Tanzania since the 1970s’, International Review of Education, Vol. 53, No. 5–6.
Weng’ua, F., Rotich, D., and Kogos, E., 2017, ‘The role of Kenyan universities in promoting research and scholarly publishing’, South African Journal of Libraries & Information Science, Vol. 83, No. 2, pp. 23–29.
Yego, H., 2016, ‘Challenges facing higher education in management of privately sponsored student programs in Kenya’, British Journal of Education, Vol. 4, No. 8, pp. 52–62.