By Obegi Malack and Mutuvi Janet
Simon Nabukwesi, the Principal Secretary of University Education and Research opened the first international conference for public universities Chairpersons of Councils, Vice Chancellors and Principals of Constituent Colleges that kicked off on Wednesday, 21st at Sarova Whitesands hotel, Mombasa.
Speaking during the launch, he said that he was going to review the following aspects; education system at university level, motivate research scientists to produce innovations which can be commercialized internationally, university debt reduction strategies, students placement and funding and Competency Based Curriculum(CBC) implementation on university curricula among others issues.
“Kenya has a strong and vibrant research base and has great potential for growth as a research and innovation hub in East Africa. Our country takes the largest number of researchers compared to other countries. Over 225 full-time researchers are hosted in Kenya where by 25.7 per cent are female researchers,” he said.
He further stated that to reform the university education sector there was need to address; policy gaps, lack of sustainable financing, low university research output and advisory services.
“To solve these issues in the university education sector reforms, we need to focus on the following areas; Policy development, Research infrastructure, collaboration and linkages and also sustainable financing,” he said.
The conference themed “Sustainable Universities for National Transformation” will come to a close today, 23rd September 2022.
The Chairpersons of University Councils, Prof.Geoffrey Muluvi, chairperson of VCs’ committee, Inter-Public Universities Council Consultative Forum Chairperson, CEOs of State Agencies and Private Organizations, Vice- Chancellors of Public Universities, Principals of Constituent Colleges and Facilitators and Resource Persons also graced the event.
