MPs Raise Concerns Over Sh250m Open University
Members of Parliament have expressed concern over the proposed establishment of a Sh250million Open University of Kenya, questioning the rationale of setting up the university when existing higher education institutions are suffering.
Speaking when the State Department for Higher Education appeared before the National Assembly Education Committee, committee vice chairman Malulu Injendi asked why there’s a need to invest in an Open University when even HELB and other universities don’t have enough funds.
He added that the government should invest in already existing institutions that are struggling to stay afloat. The Open University will operate like other institutions but will only have virtual classes and no physical learning.
Kabondo Kasipul MP Eve Obara asked about the concept behind setting up the proposed university. Higher Education Principal Secretary Beatrice Inyangala responded, saying the institution will embrace digital technology.
The courses listed include a Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security and Digital Forensics, Bachelor in Technology Education and Bachelor of Data Science.
Others are Bachelor of Science in Business and Entrepreneurship, Bachelor of Economics and Statistics and Bachelor of Science in Agri-Technology and Food Systems. Postgraduate diploma courses include Leadership and Accountability, Learning Design and Technology.
Lawmakers also questioned how the Presidential Working Party on Education Reforms is spending the Sh236 million allocated to the team. In September 2022, President William Ruto appointed a 49-member team to spearhead education reforms.
The team was allocated Sh236 million under the Ministry of Education. MP Injendi asked ministry officials to list activities done by the task force. The 49-member team gazetted by President Ruto will address three major issues on the Competency-Based Curriculum.
The task force will submit recommendations in the basic education sector, on CBC and the higher education sub-sector.
MPs Raise Concerns Over Sh250m Open University
