Strains emerge as higher education expands

The expansion of universities in Kenya dates back to 1978, when President Daniel Moi assumed office and began reforming access to higher education, which had been restricted during the colonial and Kenyatta eras.

Between 1978 and 2002, university enrolment surged from about 7,000 to 60,000 students. This growth trend continued under President Mwai Kibaki’s administration, with student numbers increasing from 60,000 in 2003 to 325,000 by 2013, and the number of universities expanding from 15 to 65. By transforming teacher training colleges, technical institutes, and polytechnics into universities, Kibaki’s government sought to broaden educational access, though the move was met with mixed reactions.

Today, Kenya boasts 79 universities — 43 public and 36 private — with total enrolment exceeding 650,000 students.

This rapid expansion of higher education in Kenya presents numerous benefits for both the country and the entire East and Central African region, despite accompanying challenges. Greater access to university has enabled more students to pursue higher education, enhancing a broader spectrum of academic programmes that cater to diverse market needs.

Establishing universities in various counties has spurred local economic growth, improved infrastructure, and reduced the need for students to migrate to major cities for education. The proliferation of universities has also generated employment opportunities for both academic and non-academic staff, contributing to Kenya’s economic development. Moreover, universities serve as centres for research and innovation, addressing critical national issues through scholarly work.

However, the rapid growth of universities in Kenya has led to several challenges, particularly concerning quality. Many institutions struggle to maintain high academic standards due to insufficient facilities, inadequate faculty, and strained resources. Overcrowded classrooms, underfunding, and inadequate learning environments are common issues that affect some universities. In the race to attract students, there are concerns about lowered admission standards and programme duplication across institutions, which leads to inefficiencies in the higher education system.

Economic constraints present another significant challenge. The job market has not expanded at the same pace as the number of graduates, leading to high levels of unemployment and underemployment among university graduates. This situation has, in turn, diminished the perceived value of a university education.

Other issues, such as brain drain and political interference in university governance, further threaten progress. Regulatory bodies like the Commission for University Education face challenges in maintaining oversight amid diminishing resources. In addition, universities often struggle to retain qualified staff due to uncompetitive salaries and limited research opportunities, prompting many to seek better opportunities abroad or in other sectors.

Looking forward, Kenya must address these challenges by investing in quality assurance and promoting strong governance within universities. Engaging forums like the Kenya Universities Quality Assurance Network, a professional body that networks all quality assurance practitioners and enthusiasts in the country, can complement government efforts to maintain high standards in higher education. By balancing access and quality, Kenya can avoid compromising the educational and research standards while continuing to expand its university sector.

The benefits of Kenya positioning itself as a regional education hub and education tourism centre are immense. As international students increasingly choose Kenyan institutions, the country stands to gain from the resulting foreign exchange and infrastructure investments. Retaining highly qualified academic staff and attracting top-tier students will also enhance the quality of research and innovation, solidifying Kenya’s intellectual capital. This strategy will not only curb brain drain but also position Kenya as a knowledge-based economy, boosting regional integration and development.