a commission for university education publication l

PBA Commission for University Education publication

September – December 2013

1A Commission for University Education publication


Varsities to be streamlinedIn this Issue

Varsities streamlined..................1Editorial...........................................2CUE restructured.........................3University roundup....................6Charters issued............................9Pictorial.........................................10Trade Fair participation...........13Quality Assurance.....................15Workshops...................................15Staff Activities.............................17Leisure corner.............................20

Editorial Advisor Prof. David Some

Chief Editor Mrs. Eliza Mbatia

Editorial CommitteeDr. Flora Karimi

Mrs LynetteG. KisakaMs Stella Chebiwott

Mr Clifford G. NjugunaMr. Calvine P. Oredi John M.Mutethia

PhotographyPR Office

CUE News is a quarterly publication of the Commission for University Education

(CUE). We encourage brief comments or articles

on topical issues related to higher education.

Send in your articles to:Corporate Affairs Department P.O. Box 54999- 00200 Nairobi.

Tel: 7205000, 2021150 Ext 223/233/139 Email: [email protected], coredi@cue.

or.ke [email protected]

CUE NewsA Commission for University Education publication l September – December 2013

The Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology Prof. Jacob Kaimenyi gives his speech during the Stakeholders workshop at KSMS.

The University sector will be streamlined following

the operationalization of the Universities Act (2012). This emerged during the stakeholders workshop on the proposed Universities Regulations, Standards and Guidelines held on 28th and 29th October 2013 at the Kenya School of Monetary Studies.Announcing the major reforms expected, the Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Education Science and Technology Prof. Jacob Kaimenyi said time had come for universities to be closely monitored and regulated to ensure standards are maintained. “I take this opportunity to encourage each university to develop and institute internal quality assurance mechanisms that will enhance

(Continued on pg. 3)Commission for University Education

@CUE_Kenya

the quality and reputation of university education,” Education Secretary noted.He called upon universities to avoid duplication of academic programmes and strive to be centres of academic excellence and to invest in state of the art equipment. The Cabinet Secretary decried the alarming rate of tribalism in university appointments. He said this was against the spirit of the Constitution which advocates for regional representation in all appointments.The Principal Secretary, in the Ministry Dr. Belio Kipsang observed that quality assurance as outlined in the Regulations, Standards and Guidelines is critical in maintaining high academic standards

ISO 9001:2008 Certified





The growth and expansion of university education

in the country has undergone tremendous transformation in the recent past. Key among them is the enactment of Universities Act No. 42 of 2012 which expanded the mandate of the Commission and

ensured a level playing ground for both public and private universities.

One of the predominant concerns has remained that of ensuring quality is established and sustained in the universities. The Commission for University Education remains vigilant to the fact that accelerated growth in universities has a direct impact to the quality of programmes. It is in this regard that the commission held a stakeholders workshop on University Regulations, Standards and Guidelines to streamline the university sector. Universities are encouraged to develop and institute internal quality assurance mechanisms that will enhance the quality and reputation of university education

EditorialCurrent happenings in the university sector have been captured in the newsletter. This include the award of Letter of Interim Authority to UMMA University which was presided over by the Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology Prof. Jacob Kaimenyi and the 11th exhibition by Kenyan Universities. Such activities help universities to continually re-define, review the quality of education that they offer so as to ensure that the programmes are adequate in depth, scope and relevance. In so doing, they work towards propagating science, research, innovation and technology and entrench best practices and benchmarking by learning from each other.

The commission is also active in expanding networks and corporate image. In this regard, activities that the commission participated such as Nairobi and Mombasa International Trade Fairs and the higher education expo in Tanzania are ably captured.

The Commission will continue to exercise its mandate of ensuring that the kind of education offered to Kenyans by universities remains of high quality.

Mrs Eliza MbatiaChief Editor

VisionAccessible and sustainable quality university education

MissionTo regulate and assure quality university education through setting

and enforcing regulations and standards & guidelines for global competitiveness.

www.cue.or.ke





(Continued from page 1)

L-R : VC Maseno, Prof. Dominic Makawiti, CEO, NACOSTI Prof Shaukat Abdulrazak, CUE’s Ag. Deputy Commission Secretary (Accrediation) Dr. Florah Karimi and Ag. DCS (QAS) Dr. Rispa Odongo during the University Regulations, Standards and Guidelines workshop held at the Kenya School of Monetary Studies.

in universities. He urged universities to create knowledge that minimizes the current challenges facing the country. Dr. Kipsang reiterated the need to have programmes that are adequately linked to industry so as to provide the necessary human resource to achieve Vision 2030. Speaking during the workshop, the Commission Secretary, Prof. David Some said the Regulations, Standards and Guidelines will transform the university sector and address the challenges that affect the quality of higher education.

He thanked top university officials who were present and other key stakeholders for the fruitful deliberations. “I call upon you to fully adhere to the set Regulations, Standards Guidelines meant to fully operationalize the Universities Act 2012”, The CEO noted. The CEO National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation (NACOSTI) Prof. Shaukat A. Abdulrazak called upon universities to seek funding for research projects from NACOSTI. He decried the low number of Ph.D graduands in the country. “I urge scholars

to make use of the available funding at NACOSTI for Ph.D. scholarships, he added.Participants exhaustively interrogated the draft Regulations, Standards and Guidelines where contentious sections were amicably amended. The head rapporteur Gilbert Opanga summarized all the proceedings which were outlined at the end of the workshop. The workshop was attended by Vice-Chancellors, Deputy Vice-Chancellors in charge of academic affairs, Quality Assurance Officers and Librarians.

CUE restructured Kenya’s future as a prosperous and internationally competitive nation will depend on the vibrancy of the university education system in line with expectations of Vision 2030. The bottom-line is creating a sustainable pool of highly trained human resource capital that underpins our national ambitions of being a knowledge-based economy.

The Commission for University Education’s mandate was enhanced following the enactment of the Universities Act No 42 of 2012. The enactment mandates the CUE to be the regulator of both private and public universities creating a level playing ground in uniform regulation of university education in the country.

To realise this, CUE was restructured and diversified its functional roles and operations. This development led to creation of four divisions and several departments with some of the existing ones changing names. Departments within this division are Information Communication and Technology (ICT), Supply Chain Management, Finance and Administration/HR ;





1. Planning Research and Development

Comprises of the Departments of Research & Development and Planning & Resource Mobilization;2. Accreditation Division Comprises of the Departments of Programme Accreditation, Institutional Accreditation and Library & Information Services ;

Prof David Some, CEO Dr Florah Karimi Mr Joseph Musyoki Mrs Linah Lilan Dr. Rispa Odongo

3. Quality Audits and Compliance

Comprises of the Departments of Standardization, Equation & Recognition of Qualifications and Quality Audits and Compliance.The four divisions add to those under the Chief Executive Officer’s Office which houses 3 departments namely Legal Affairs & Enforcement, Internal Audit and Corporate Affairs. The

officers who were appointed on acting capacities are:Dr Rispa Odongo – Division of Quality Audits and StandardsDr Florah Karimi - Accreditation DivisionMrs Linah Lilan – Administration and Finance DivisionMr Joseph Musyoki - Planning, Research and Development Division

Education Cabinet Secretary briefed

Commission Chief Executive Officer Prof David Some on September 18th 2013, led Commission staff in briefing the Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology Prof Jacob Kaimenyi on the functions of the Commission, her organogram and the key projects earmarked by the Commission in the next 3 years.

Education Cabinet Secretary Prof Jacob Kaimenyi (left) with the Commission’s CEO Prof David Some addressing senior staff during the meeting

Prof. Some observed that the enactment of the Universities Act No 42 of 2012 had enhanced the mandate of the Commission leading to establishment of new divisions and departments. This, he observed was to increase capacity to effectively realise its regulatory role.

He also observed that the Universities Regulations, Standards & Guidelines had been revised and tabled to stakeholders on forum held on 28th and 29th October 2013. (see related story under ‘Workshops and Conferences’).

“Other key initiatives being undertaken by the Commission are Credit Accumulation Transfer System (CATS), proposed ranking and rating of Universities in Kenya and training of Peer Reviewers,’’ added Prof. Some.





Education Cabinet Secretary Prof J. Kaimenyi (4th left), Commission CEO Prof D. Some (3rd left) in a group photo with senior staff of the Commission.

The Commission Secretary noted some of the challenges faced by CUE included reduced budgetary allocation, mushrooming institutions without CUE accreditation, eradicating half-baked graduates. He however, observed that the Commission was at the top of things in addressing the said challenges.The education Cabinet Secretary pledged the ministry’s support to the Commission which he said will enhance service provision to

the citizenry. This he added, was in tune with the government’s commitment of “doing business in an ‘unusual way” departing from the old ways of doing things.” The former UoN administrator urged the Commission to go an extra mile and ensure the Universities Act is implemented to the latter.He challenged CUE through the Legal and Enforcement arm to reign on errant institutions which do not comply with set regulations. He said massification of higher

education had led to high student: lecture ratio which comprised quality of education. He also warned institutions to shun away from unprofessional and immoral practices in universities such ‘Sexually Transmitted Grades’ and unfair promotion and recruitment of university staff. Other key areas he noted were ill-designed infrastructural developments and fake academic certificates.

Performance Contract

The Commission prepared 2013/14 adhering to the 10th edition of the Performance Contracting cycle. The guidelines for the 2013/2014 cycle were released by the Ministry of Devolution and Planning which is charged with Performance Contracting in government institutions.

The guidelines required institutions to draw their objectives from the strategic plans as anchored in the Medium Term Plan II (MTP II) and the Sector Performance Standards (SPS). The ultimate objective of performance contracting was to ensure that performance was measured using international best practices and that performance targets are grown to the extent of placing the country on the cutting edge of global competitiveness.

The ultimate objective of Performance Contracting is to ensure that performance is measured using international best practices and that performance targets are grown to the extent of placing the country on the cutting edge of global competitiveness. It is expected that indicators should conform to the Constitution, relevant laws and international best practices.





Rationalize the governance and management structure of CUE;

Undertake capacity enhancement and infrastructural development of CUE;

Promote partnerships, linkages and networking nationally and internationally.

Resource mobilization fruitful

The Commission for University Education benefitted from a linkage agreement with the Nerthalands Initiative for Capacity Development (NICHE) from Netherlands. The agreement

CUE objectives formulated

The CUE’s corporate objectives have been reviewed to reflect the expanded mandate of the Commission following the Universities Act, 2012. The objectives arrived at after lengthy deliberations by management are:

The objectives are:Assuring quality and

relevance in university education;

Expand access and enhance equity in university education;

Promote research and dissemination of results in University Education;

Celebrating Expansion of University Education through

Diversity and Integration.

saw CUE get a grant of 1.5 million Euros which will be used for various activities in line with the new mandate. This follows a proposal submitted to the organization in February for funding. The Netherlands cooperation in Higher Education (Nuffic) will monitor and evaluate the projects under NICHE. Specific objectives the project is aims to achieve include: Internal quality assurance procedures and mechanisms for Kenyan Universities, development of tools for ranking Kenyan Universities, strengthen Credit Accumulation and Transfer (CATS) system project, aid in implementation of Kenya Qualification Framework (KQF) and enhancement of CUE internal capacity to perform expanded functions.

UNIVERSITY ROUND-UPUniversities converge for 11th Exhibition The Exhibition by Kenyan Universities crossed the decade mark with a successful staging of its 11th time at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre from the 20th to 22nd June 2013.

The three-day event ran on the theme, Celebrating Expansion of University Education through Diversity and Integration.The event kicked off on Thursday 20th June 2012 with the official opening presided over by the Education Cabinet Secretary, Prof Jacob Kaimenyi who represented the President H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta. The President called on the university fraternity not only concentrate on academics but also channel activities towards the national development agenda. The H.E. noted that well-thought research activities and

community linked programmes were key in the realization of this important role by the universities.

In his remarks Education Cabinet Secretary, Prof Kaimenyi noted the need for universities to mount programmes within their capacities to avoid strains that compromise the quality of university education.

The curtains of the event significant in the universities calendar, came to a close on Saturday 22nd June and was presided over by the Governor Nairobi County Dr. Evans Kidero. He hailed the universities for establishing centres and campuses at the City affording Nairobi and its environs residents broadened access to university education with much convenience.Over 55 institutions participated in the event with the Tanzania Commission for Universities (TCU) and the Inter- University Council for East Africa (IUCEA) joining as regional guest agencies.

Prof. Jacob Kaimenyi (2nd front right) tours TCU stand with CEO Prof David Some.





Peace Agufana (gesturing) explains to Governor of Nairobi Dr Evans Kidero (centre) during his tour of stands. The Governor is flanked by CEO Prof. David Some (right) and HELB’s CEO Charles Ringera (extreme left).

Umma University granted LIAUmma University was admitted to be the 11th university authorized to operate in Kenya with a Letter of Interim Authority (LIA) by the Commission on 23rd July 2013 at the CUE grounds.

The Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology Prof. Jacob Kaimenyi who graced the occasion urged Umma University to cut a niche in producing programmes that are linked to industry and meet labour needs of the country.

This, he noted will result in generating globally competitive graduates able to ably gel with the dynamics of the fluid market. The Cabinet Secretary also noted the need for universities in the country to mould holistic graduates who have abilities in different facets of their life. He called upon the university fraternity in general to propagate morals and good ethical practices among their graduates. “The teachings and learning pro21cess should produce moral and ethical fortitude” added the Ministry boss.

Prof Jacob Kamenyi, the Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Education Science and Technology (centre) signs Umma LIA accompanied by the CEO Prof David Some (right) and Umma Chairman Board of Trustees Prof A.G. El-Busaidy.





The CEO, Commission for University Education, Prof. David Some called upon the new university to adhere to its stated philosophy and core values which touch on embracing multiplicity of faiths and peaceful co-existence. He further encouraged the university to continue working towards full accreditation status.

Prof Jacob Kaimenyi (left), Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Education, Science and Technology hands overs Letter of Interim Authority to Chairman Umma University Board of Trustees Prof. Abdul G. El-Busaidy (front right).

Looking on (centre) is Senator Garissa County Yusuf Hajj at the CUE grounds.

The Chairman Umma University Board of Trustees, Prof Abdulghafur El-Busaidy appreciated the Commission in guiding the university through the various accreditation stages culminating to the LIA award. The BoT chair thanked the Africa Muslims Agency (AMA) for sponsoring Umma University. He said the University will live to its new status in generating well trained human capital that not only meets the Kenyan market needs but also the global demands at large. The Ag.Vice - Chancellor Dr. Ahmed A. Ahmed welcomed the recognition saying the university was committed to providing education that will produce outstanding scholars able to stand the test of integrity and virtue.

University graduands challengedUniversities graduands have been challenged to play a leading role in unlocking the vast prospects in the African continent. The Regional Director for UN Women, Eastern and Southern Africa Mrs Christine Musisi said this during the Pan Africa Christian University (PACU) graduation ceremony held on 23rd August 2013 at the University main campus in Kasarani.

Regional Director for UN Women, Eastern and Southern Africa Mrs Christine Musisi (2nd right) follow proceedings with PAC university officials during the graduation on August 23rd at university’s main campus

Mrs Musisi said Africa prides itself as a key destination by investors across the world with huge potential in lands, mineral resources and human capital. She observed that this huge potential must be realized by Africans through input by universities. “Endeavour to be champions of new economic, social and cultural paradigm, ambassadors of hope for the hopeless, embracing attitude of service leadership, empowering the less privileged particularly women and the youth, as this is what drivers of transformation is all about,” advised Mrs Musisi. The UN women Director observed that after graduation, graduands are purposefully and principally commissioned to serve their families, communities and nations. In so doing, they should be driven by key principles of service such as fear of God, good stewardship, respect to human dignity and justice in economic and social relations.According to The African Executive report, Africa is viewed as a potentially endowed continent with 10% of world’s oil reserves, 40% of gold ore, 95% of world’s platinum group metals, and 60 % of crop land. During the function, Rev Dr David Oginde was installed as the Chancellor of the Christian University taking over from Rev Dr Bonifes Adoyo.

International Leadership University pay courtesy call

Officials of International Leadership University which was formerly the Nairobi International School of Theology (NIST) paid a courtesy call on the Chief Executive Prof. David Some on 14th August 2013.The





Vice-Chancellor of International Leadership University Prof. Eric Aseka is welcomed by CEO Prof. David Some (front seated). He is accompanied by DVC (F,P&D) Prof. David Ngaruiya (2nd right) and Academic Dean, Prof.

John Mungania (right seated).

fact-finding visit was led by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Eric Aseka where issues touching on the slow progress of the was deliberated at length. Concerns were raised on the worrying pace of the institution’s transiting from a registered university to a fully chartered university. The CEO pointed the provisions of the Universities Act that requires all registered universities to either have an LIA or be fully chartered by December 2013.Prof. Aseka concurred with the slow pace of growth which he attributed to the conditions attached to funding they receive from donors. This he observed, led to lack of liberalized expansion since their donors restricted their development to their Kilimani campus at the

expense of the land they bought at Kitengela for expansion. It was resolved that the Commission will work closely with the university in attaining Letter of Interim Authority before the December deadline.

Makerere don visitsProf. Charles Opolot-Okurut from the College of Education and External Studies at Makerere University visited the Commission. Prof Opolot-Okurut held discussions with the Chief Executive Prof. David Some on matters of higher education. Prof. Opolot-Okurut is also the supervisor of Mrs Joyce Mutinda who is undertaking her Ph.D studies at Makerere University. Her other supervisor is Prof. Joseph Oonyu.

Universities receive charters The Commission for University Education released Charter documents to universities that were granted charters. The process of granting Charters included institutional quality audits based on Self-Assessment Reports (SARs) submitted by the universities. 7 public universities were rechartred and fifteen (15) of their constituent colleges granted university status between late 2012 and early 2013 collected the Commission. The Charters were repealed after coming into effect Universities Act No. 42 of 2012. Eight Acts were repealed, including the Universities Act CAP 210B and the Acts of The University of Nairobi, Moi University, Kenyatta University, Egerton, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture & Technology, Maseno, and Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology. The 15 universities colleges elevated to fully-fledged public universities were Dedan Kimathi University of Science and Technology, Chuka University, Technical University of Kenya, Technical University of Mombasa, Pwani University, Kisii University, University of Eldoret, Maasai Mara University, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology, Laikipia University, South Eastern Kenya University, Meru University of Science and Technology, Multimedia University of Kenya, University of Kabianga and Karatina University.

The Charters signify their autonomy and renewed mandate.

CEO Prof. David Some (right) with Prof. Charles Opolot-Okurut (left) and Joyce Mutinda (centre) at the CUE offices





Peer reviewers discuss their evaluated programmes at the CUE boardroom

Prof Jacob Kaimenyi plants a commemorative tree outside the Commission offices during the Umma University LIA function

Participants of Tracer Studies held at the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development in March 2013

Calvine Oredi and Pamela Sagala respond to enquiries from a visitor during the Mombasa International Trade Fair held from 28th August to

1st September 2013.

CUE Chief Executive Officer Prof David Some (right) and members of the CUE Core Management

with World Bank team during their visit to the Commission on September 11th. The team comprised of Andreas Blom, Lead Education

Economist Reehana Raza, Senior Human Development Economist, Helen Craig, Lead Human

Development Specialist and HimdatBayusuf, Education Consultant. The visit was part of the

World Bank’s consultations on the bank’s proposed financed projects on Africa Centres of Excellence

within Higher Education.

PICTORIALS





Staff keenly listen during the meeting between CUE staff and the CEO

Staff enjoy themselves during the team building event at Maasai Ostrich

resort

Betty Munene bids farewell to Mr. Wallace Mbugua who retired from the Commission.

A student makes inquiries in one of the university stands during the 11th Exhibition by Kenyan Universities at KICC

CEO Prof. David Some hands over a token to Mrs Josephine Mutua who retired from the Commission.

PICTORIALS





CEO Prof. David Some hands over Charter to Prof. Jotham Micheni DVC (F&A) KEMU University. He is flanked by Ag. DCS Planning, Research & Development Mr. Joseph Musyoki, Ag. DCS ( Quality Audits & Stds)

Dr. Rispa Odongo and Ag. DCS (Accreditation) Dr. Florah Karimi.

CEO Prof. David Some hands over Charter to Josephat Macharia of Mount Kenya University.

Ag. DCS Planning, Research & Development Mr Joseph Musyoki presents a Charter to Registrar Africa Nazarene University Prof Zablon Nthamburi

on August 22nd at the Commission offices.

CUE staff Mr John Murage and Mr George Njine takes through Charter award process to Karatina university officials during the mass Charter

ceremony held at KICC in Nairobi

Ag. DCS (Accreditation) Dr. Florah Karimi hands over Charter to John Njeru of St.Pauls University. He is flanked by Isaac Gathirwa of Legal

Affairs.

Ag. DCS (Accreditation) Dr. Florah Karimi hands over Charter to Simon

Irungu Nyoike of USIU

Universities receiving their charters





TRADE FAIR PARTICIPATIONCommission participates in Tanzania expo The Commission was among the key regional institutions that participated in the 8th Exhibition on Higher Education, Science and Technology held from 22th to 24th May, 2013 at Diamond Jubilee Hall, Dar es Salaam Tanzania.The exhibition was jointly organized by the Tanzania Commission for Universities (TCU), Ministry of Education and Vocational Training (MoEVT), Higher Education Institutions, as well as regulatory, professional and research bodies in and outside Tanzania. The theme was “Building a knowledgeable, accountable and progressive society through Higher Education, Science and Technology”.Other participants were drawn from higher learning and research institutions, regulatory bodies and foreign universities from within and outside the East Africa region. CUE was represented by Mrs Eliza Mbatia of Corporate Affairs and Mary Njine of Internal Audit .

Mombasa international trade fair The Commission participated in the Mombasa International Trade Fair held from 28th August to 1st September 2013. The Trade Fair was officially opened by H.E President Uhuru Kenyatta and attracted 15 international exhibitors and over 190 local exhibitors.

H.E President Uhuru Kenyatta with H.E President Yoweri Museveni tour the showground during the Mombasa International Trade Fair.

Mrs Eliza Mbatia assisted by Richard Ambayi sorts out material at the CUE stand during the Mombasa Trade Fair. Looking on is Pamela Sagala.

The theme for the trade fair was: Enhancing Technology in Agriculture and Industry for Food Security and National Growth.In his address, the Head of State said the Government was determined to facilitate commercial farming through provision of subsidized fertilizer and introduction of large-scale irrigation. This, he noted was aimed at improving marketing and adding value to farm produce. “The Government is ready to work more closely with counties to boost agriculture, ensure food security and lower food prices,” the President added.

“Building a knowledgeable, accountable and

progressive society through Higher Education, Science

and Technology”.





Deputy President, Hon William Ruto who was also present said the government was determined to end perennial famine by irrigating one million acres. Mining Cabinet Secretary Hon. Najib Balala who represented the Agriculture Secretary, Felix Kosgei said the Government was in the process of buying over 10,000 tractors to modernize agriculture in the country. CUE exhibited within the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology stand. The Ministry scooped the 3rd best stand award in the category of “Institutions of Higher Learning in Developing and Advancing Technology”.The Nairobi International Trade Fair took place from 29th September to 6th October 2013 at the Jamhuri Showground. The Commission was among various institutions that participated in the annual trade fair which was officially opened by H.E President Uhuru Kenyatta.The Head of State said the government will give priority to food security, employment creation and economic growth to steer the country to development. He noted that agri-business was to play a big role in realizing these goals. The president added that emphasis will be given to ICT, industry and national transformation. The Head of State said the Government had put in place enough measures to curb incidences of insecurity following the Westgate Mall terror attack and asked the international community not to issue travel advisory to its citizens. “I want to assure the country is very safe and there is no need to worry. We have put measures in place to deal with any security threat”, said Uhuru.

Governor of Nairobi County, Evans Kidero arrives at the showground pavilion during the Nairobi International Trade Fair.

John Mutethia of Corporate Affairs explains CUE’s mandate to one of the judges at Nairobi Trade Fair

The Nairobi Governor Dr. Evans Kidero who was also present said his County government had developed a seven-pillar vision that spelt out priority activities in the next five years. He encouraged youth to take up commercial farming saying youth enterprises were key to the country’s development.Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Felix Koskei on his part assured farmers the Government had subsidized the cost of fertilisers. The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology scooped the award for the Best Tertiary and Technical Educational Institutional Stand and the 3rd Best Institution of Higher Learning in Developing and Advancing Technology. The trade fair’s theme was: Enhancing Technology in Agriculture and Industry for Food Security and National Growth. The fair attracted more than 500 local and foreign exhibitors.





QUALITY ASSURANCE

Inspections doneThe Curriculum Accreditation Committee (CAC) carried out a site inspection of Marist International University College on 4th September 2013.The site visit was meant to verify academic resources to support the institution’s proposed programme of Bachelor of Business Management.

The Committee also inspected the Presbyterian University of East Africa on 6th September 2013 to verify academic resources for proposed programmes in Bachelor of Laws, Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood Education, Bachelor of Arts in Journalism, Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Public Relations, Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Tourism Management and Master of Education in

Educational Management.The Committee thoroughly scrutinized key academic resources such as, facilities, equipment & instructional materials, core texts & journals, staffing levels and research & publications.The Committee comprises of CUE secretariat staff and Resource Persons specialised in programme(s) being evaluated.

CONFERENCES AND WORKSHOPS Staff attend QA workshopDr. Rispa Odongo and Mrs. Lynette G. Kisaka participated in the Quality Assurance

Coordinators’ Training Course, Part III held in Entebbe Uganda from 11 - 16 August, 2013 as Trainer and Trainee respectively. The training brought together the quality assurance directors/

officers and Chairpersons of the Self-Assessment teams that are currently carrying out the pilot evaluation exercise.

Participants during a training session at the Imperial Resort Beach Hotel, Entebbe, Uganda during the QA workshop

The training workshop dealt with the following issues:Feedback from the pilot self-evaluation processPresentation of the final reports from the pilot evaluation processPreparation for pilot external evaluation (peer reviews)Training on specific aspects of quality assurance

This was the third and final Coordinators’ training for a total of 22 QA coordinators and staff of National Regulatory Agencies.





Academicians urged to uphold integrity The quality of post graduate training in the region may be at risk if academic dishonesty is not nipped in the bud. This was the focus of the 4th Academia Seminar organized by Linking Industry with Academia (LIWA) held on the 25th to 26th April at the Utalii hotel, Nairobi.

The seminar sought to put to an end to the thriving business of paper mill outfits that were trading academic papers at exorbitant fees borne by the students seeking the service. This had caused duplication of papers and thereby compromised the quality of academic reports, papers, thesis and dissertations among other academic publications.

Participants at the seminar deliberated on the ways of mitigating this malpractice and coming up with possible punitive measures for the culprits. Commission’s Chief Executive Prof David Some was among the key speakers in the forum in which he made a presentation themed, Best Practice in University Education-Academic Quality Assurance.

The second event was a four-day Training of Trainers (ToT) Workshop held at the Nairobi Safari Club from 27th to 30th August 2013 with 38 participants from Higher Education Institutions in Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. The aim of the ToT was to develop a network of highly trained and highly confident Professional Trainers.

They will be expected to collaborate extensively across the region to establish and deliver sustainable management development programmes for women in Higher Education in Kenya /East Africa. It is also expected that they will introduce other initiatives to embed gender equitable practices in their regions.

Procurement workshop

Mr Simon Mbogo of Supply Chain Management Department attended a workshop on Supply Market Analysis and Procurement Planning held at Kisumu Hotel from 21st to 24th May 2013.The workshop targeted procurement practitioners. Areas covered during the workshop included supply market analysis, conduct of market survey, dynamics in market supply, procurement planning and budget finance, appraisal of supplier performance.

CUE represented at Gender & Leadership Workshop

Mrs. Lynette G. Kisaka represented the Commission during a workshop on Women, Gender and Leadership in Higher Education held from 26th to 30th August 2013. The workshop was organized by the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) in collaboration with the University of Nairobi as part of the ACU’s Centenary celebrations and follow-up to the 2012 Gender Conference.

The first part was a one-day Gender Conference on “Enhancing Gender Equity in the Leadership and Management of Higher Education”. The official opening of the conference was done by Prof. Jacob T. Kaimenyi, Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology on behalf of the Deputy President. The Keynote speaker was Prof. Olive Mugenda, VC Kenyatta University and ACU Council member. Other speakers during the opening ceremony included the VC University of Nairobi Prof. George Magoha; Prof. Lucy Irungu (UoN); Prof. Maithree Wickramasinghe (Sri Lanka); Dr. Jasbir Sing (Malaysia); Dr. Anne Gold (University of London Institute of Education) and Dorothy Garland (ACU).

“Enhancing Gender Equity in

the Leadership and Management of Higher

Education”.





STAFF ACTIVITIES

CEO and CUE staffThe Chief Executive, Prof David Some met CUE staff on 15th August 2013 where various issues of concern were deliberated and

clarified. The CEO particularly clarified the rationale behind the staff re-deployment noting that preference was given to the wishes. Staff were informed on

the rationalisation of Schemes of Service meant to match with staff competencies. Also, various key policy documents under review were also discussed.

The CEO Prof. David Some addresses staff at the CUE’s Boardroom during

the staff meetingMembers of staff follow proceedings during the meeting at the CUE’s

boardroom

New ISO MR appointedMr Shadrack Nzuki was appointed the new ISO 9001:2008 Management Representative (MR). His appointment took effect from 23rd August 2013 taking over from Mr. John Murage.

Shadrack NzukiISO Management Representative (MR)

Among the key duties of the MR are:Ensure that the processes

needed for the Quality Management System are established, implemented and maintained

Report to top management on the performance of the Quality Management System and any need for improvementEnsure the promotion of

awareness of customer requirements throughout the organization.Liaise with external parties on

matters relating to the Quality Management System.

Staff team-bonding at Ostrich farm

The Commission Welfare Fund Fund held a bonding activity for its members on 25th May 2013 at the Maasai Ostrich farm in Kitengela. The activity saw members interact freely and unwind during activities such as rope pulling, fitness exercises and brain teasers. Members had

Staff during the team building activity at Maasai Ostrich Farm in Kitengela.





the opportunity to visit the vast ostrich farm and take ostrich rides. The Chairman of Staff

Welfare Gilbert Opanga thanked the members who attended for taking time to unwind and get

knowledge in life-skills from the resource people.

Fire marshalls at refresher training The CUE team of Fire Marshalls attended a week-long refresher training course at Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) Bandari College from 13th – 17th May 2013.The training covered uses of fire fighting equipment, rescue and evacuation procedures and fire safety precautions among others. It is a requirement that every organization formulates a

fire safety plan and ensures that it is practiced and adhered to by all across the board. Failure to formulate such a plan is a breach of the Factories and other Places of Work Act, Cap 514, Local Government Act (Building Code), Cap 265 and the Public Service Act, Cap 178.The team leader, Shadrack Nzuki thanked the CUE management for facilitating the training. He added that the Fire Marshalls

will conduct knowledge transfer to other CUE staff to acquaint them with fire safety measures. “A report was submitted to management on the training and it’s usefulness to CUE”, he added. The rigorous training that consisted of theory and practice was ably conducted by Harrison Kokebe and Idi Murunga from the former Ministry of Public Works who have wide experience in safety and fire disaster management

CUE Fire Marshals during the re-fresher training in Mombasa

BereavementRichard Ambayi lost his mother Defina Jambiha on 11th October 2013. Mama Jambiha was laid to rest to rest on 14th October 2013 at Maridadi Farm Kitale in Trans-Nzoia.

Former DCS passes onDr Fredrick Owako, the 1st Deputy Commission Secretary (Accreditation Quality Assurance) passed away on

31st July 2013 after a long illness. The late Dr Owako’s requiem mass was held on 15th August 2013 at the All Saints Cathedral Nairobi and later laid to rest on 17th August 2013 in Koguta Village in Nyakach. Those who worked with the late Owako termed him as the ‘Accreditation teacher’ who was critical in laying the ground work in matters of accreditation at the Commission.*******************************

Mrs Lynette Kisaka lost her father-in-law Mwalimu Eliud Simiyu who passed on 19th August 2013. Mzee Simiyu was buried on 31st August 2013 at Kiminini schemes.

May the Lord rest their souls in peace.





COMMISSION FOR UNIVERSITY EDUCATION

QUALITY POLICY STATEMENT

The Commission for University Education is committed to ensuring increased access to sustainable quality university education and training through planning, coordination, resource mobilisation, quality assurance enhancement and information service.

In pursuit of this commitment the Commission shall:

Endeavour to understand customer requirements and their challenges;

Meet and strive to exceed customer expectations;

Ensure that the quality objectives are implemented, monitored and reviewed regularly to be in line with the changing environment of university education in Kenya and beyond;

Align its quality management system with the requirements of ISO 9001:2008 statutory and regulatory requirements;

Communicate the policy within the organization and ensure it is reviewed for continued suitability.

Prof. David SomeCommission Secretary/ Chief Executive Officer



PBA Commission for University Education publication


Leisure CornerLiterary discourse

Spiritual Moments

Lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.

James 1:21

Gods wisdom is given to those who humbly ask Him for it.

Anon

Blessed are trhe peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God

Mathew 5:9

By Mr. George Njine

God’s Plans and Ours

Make your plans make your plans make your plans

Draw your maps draw your maps draw your maps

But let this your heart warm or chill

To the Lord your plans and mine were known

Before He created you and me

And made them part of his own

Which He hid from our sight

Knowing this to be clear and true

My success I spurn

My failure I scorn

And smile on my woe

Did you know?It took Leonardo Da Vinci 10 years to paint Mona Lisa

Education makes a people easy to lead, but difficult to drive: easy to govern, but impossible to enslave

Peter Brougham

You don’t bend principles, you bend to them, Rejection is poison you take hoping the other

person will die.

Contributed by Lilian Ojwang’

Commission for University Education

P.O. Box 54999 - 00200 Nairobi.

Tel: 7205000, 2021150 Ext 223/233/139,

Email: [email protected] Website: www.cue.or.keBy Mr. George Njine

a commission for university education publication l

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