February 9, 2025

MPs propose abolishing diploma courses in universities

MPs propose abolishing diploma courses in universities

Universities may soon stop offering diploma and basic certificate courses after the National Assembly Committee on Education and Research approved a proposal to abolish them from all universities

Universities may soon stop offering diploma and basic certificate courses after the National Assembly Committee on Education and Research approved a proposal to abolish them from all universities.

Under the Universities (Amendment) (No. 5) Bill, 2023, Parliament aims to streamline the education system by restricting universities to degree and postgraduate courses, leaving diploma and certificate programs to technical and vocational colleges.

“Per the new bill, Chancellors of any university will only award postgraduate certificates and postgraduate diploma courses and not the basic certificate and diploma courses,” the statement by the Committee read.

This proposal has been given the green light by the Education Committee, which argues that the main objective of the move is to limit universities to offering postgraduate diplomas and postgraduate certificate courses.

According to the Committee, this has resulted in duplication of roles, congestion in universities, and underutilization of resources over the years.

The Committee has recommended that the basic certificate and diploma courses be reserved for technical and vocational education and training (TVET) institutions.

The Bill is sponsored by  Embakasi Central MP Benjamin Gathiru. The Committee agreed with his arguments that there is an overlapping role of universities and TVET Institutions in offering certificates and diplomas.

“A situation that has led to inconsistencies in course quality, content, and duration. Currently, both the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TVETA) and the Commission for University Education (CUE) are responsible for certifying diploma and certificate courses, creating regulatory challenges and confusion in the education sector,” part of the statement by the Committee read.

The Bill also seeks to bar the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) from placing students in diploma and certificate courses offered by universities.

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“To abolish the use of public funds for private universities and prohibit the Kenyan Universities and Colleges Central Placement Services (KUCCPS) from placing students in private institutions.” the statement continued.

According to the committee, there is confusion and inconsistencies in the content and duration of the courses and if the Bill is approved,  the CUE for universities will have the function to recognize and equate postgraduate certificates and postgraduate diplomas conferred by foreign universities and institutions opposed to basic certificates and diplomas

If the Bill is passed, it may lock a major source of university revenues.

Universities risks being locked out of a market that has been providing them with an alternative source of revenue, as most public institutions face financial challenges. Universities will then be restricted to degree and postgraduate programs.

The proposal was also recommended by the Presidential Working Party on Education Reforms. The Bill is among others that the committee has recommended for approval.

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