Higher education
18 Nov 2010
On this page
- Short description of the higher education system
- Types of degrees
- Quality assurance and accreditation
- Recent reforms
Short description of the higher education system
Kenya’s education system comprises 8 years of primary education, 4 years of secondary education and 4 years of university education. Higher education is provided by post secondary school and university level institutions.
Post secondary school institutions award diplomas and include technical and vocational institutions (national polytechnics, institutes of technology, technical training colleges); teacher training colleges; sectoral colleges within the various Government Ministries; non-governmental institutions offering commercial and other skills training; and institutions offering pre-university academic programmes.
University education is offered by both public and private providers as well as by post secondary school institutions which offer degree programmes in collaboration with local and/or foreign universities. The language of instruction in all universities is English.
Types of Degrees
Undergraduate studies lead to the award of a bachelor’s degree. Postgraduate studies lead to Licentiates, master’s degrees and postgraduate certificates and diplomas. Doctorate studies lead to the award of a PhD degree or equivalent. Universities also offer bridging courses.
Quality assurance and accreditation
The Commission for Higher Education (CHE) is mandated by Parliament to make better provisions for the advancement of university education in Kenya, in particular by planning for the development of higher education and training; mobilization of resources for higher education and training; accreditation and regular re-inspection of universities; co-ordination and regulation of admission to universities; and documentation, information services and public relations for higher education and training.
In general, the Ministry of Education is responsible for primary and secondary education while the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology is responsible for higher education. Other sectoral ministries also operate their own education institutions.
With regard to budgeting, individual university institutions prepare their plans and budgets and identify other sources of income in addition to the finance they receive from the Ministry of Finance. The CHE provides a list of approved programmes offered in Kenyan universities as well as enrolment statistics in Kenyan higher education.
Recent reforms
The institute of Policy Analysis and Research (2008) published a detailed and comprehensive review of the needs and challenges of the Kenyan education sector (including higher education) and provided many recommendations for reform on the challenges identified. These reforms have yet to be implemented.
