Former Education CS Fred Matiang'i made a big mistake when he allowed state-sponsored students to be enrolled in private universities.
The decision has worked against public universities, with some courses in the institutions losing popularity and failing to attract students.
As a result, some lecturers and teaching staff in public universities have been left idling, despite earning salaries.
The directive should be reviewed and a more progressive, mutual agreement arrived upon.
As suggested by the Universities Fund Board, the idea of having courses that have been listed as areas of national interest is long overdue.
The board’s proposals need backing from all stakeholders as they will bring universities back to their feet and in touch with society.
Over the years, the government has relied on what the universities produce without any clear guide on the needs of the country.
This has led to an oversupply of manpower in some professions and the result is the huge unemployment rate among university graduates.
We need to correct the situation and we have to be bold enough to do this. The specialisation of universities and target-course funding will make the institutions more competitive.
Individual universities should take pride in whatever area of focus they choose, dwell and research widely on them.
The result is that we will have better-skilled graduates and innovations.
The partnerships should also be extended to the technical colleges for better skills development and creation of self-employment.
Likewise, the institutions should team up with the counties to provide information, training opportunities and skilled labour for their localities.
If the Universities Fund Board gets the right support then the institutions will, hopefully, be set on the path to recovery.
The idea is noble but needs support, political will power and sacrifices in the part of universities as it will have some adverse effects.
Professor at the University of Nairobi School of Business and secretary, UASU - UoN chapter
