Education CS Fred Matiang’i wants universities selling degrees to politicians de-registered.
He said the government is planning a major shake-up in higher education, including a crackdown on private universities, from next year.
"I am happy now that councils have began to bite and strip people of their degrees. We would like to see more universities do that together with CUE and the Education ministry. We will take away their letters of interim authority," he said on Monday
during the AMFREF graduation ceremony.
The crackdown will target institutions operating contrary to the statutory provisions guiding the higher education sector.
Among those targeted are those operating on letters of interim authority beyond the statutory period.
This letter is offered to institutions accredited to offer degree courses but which have not met standards for becoming fully-fledged universities
“We are going to take a serious look into this issue because you cannot hold an interim letter for eight years and more without
any substantive explanation as to why you are not able to move to a fully pledged university,” Matiang’i said.
The letter of interim authority expires in four years, after which institutions are expected to have met standards for advancement.
Among the standards are acquiring at least 50 acres of land, having permanent structures and establishing faculties.
Most recently, University of Nairobi revoked Meru Senator Mithika Linturi's law degree for using fake admission papers during his enrollment.
Linturi has moved to court to challenge the matter.
Matiang'i has taken drastic measures in the sector but some have complained, saying there could be trouble ahead.
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