The Commission for University Education (CUE) is considering a new policy that would introduce student admission quotas for select degree programmes, in a bid to curb graduate unemployment and align academic training with market demands.
The proposal targets courses particularly in the social sciences that consistently produce high numbers of jobless graduates.
Appearing before the National Assembly Committee on Education, CUE Chief Executive Prof. Mike Kuria said the regulator is intensifying its oversight of university curricula to ensure institutions offer market-relevant courses.
Kuria noted that some universities continue to run outdated programmes that do not reflect Kenya’s evolving economic landscape.
“Some universities are offering courses that are no longer market-driven,” Kuria said, adding that the commission faces challenges in keeping pace with shifting labour market trends despite ongoing efforts to guide institutions.
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Lawmakers criticised CUE’s current regulatory approach, arguing that it focuses too narrowly on accrediting courses submitted by universities rather than proactively advising on national priorities. Committee Chairperson Julius Melly said the commission must rethink its role and provide leadership in shaping university education to meet economic needs.
“Your strategic plan does not respond to the shifting dynamics of the labour market. CUE is supposed to inform society of the direction we are taking, based on demand,” Melly said, referring to the commission’s 2024-2028 Strategic Plan.
Kitutu Masaba MP Clive Gisairo supported the idea of admission caps, urging CUE to study market trends and assign quotas to universities for courses with limited employment prospects. He cited cases where public universities admit over 300 students per class in fields with few job opportunities, leaving many graduates stranded.
Baringo North MP Joseph Makilap added that universities must not only revise course content but also strengthen teaching capacity to match current realities.
The proposed enrolment limits are expected to encourage students to explore emerging fields with stronger job prospects and reduce pressure on saturated sectors.
By Masaki Enock
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