PS Inyangala to CIU: This is what we expect from you as starters

 Education CS Julius Ogamba and Higher Education PS Beatrice Inyangala handing over the letter of interim authority to Consolata International University on August 21, 2025/HANDOUT

Higher Education Principal Secretary Beatrice Inyangala has challenged Consolata International University leadership to focus on quality, integrity and innovation.

Speaking during a ceremony held to grant a letter of interim authority to the university on Wednesday, Inyangala acknowledged that starting a new university is both a privilege and a responsibility.

Consolata International University becomes the 81st university in Kenya to be granted a Letter of Interim Authority.

"Affordability and accessibility should also be at the heart of your planning," Inyangala said.

According to the PS, the country's higher education reforms aim to ensure that every student, regardless of background, can access learning, hence urged the leadership to ensure that the university's programmes and tuition policies reflect inclusivity while remaining sustainable.

She also urged the leadership to focus on innovation as another key area, noting that as a new institution, the university has the unique chance to adopt the latest teaching methods and technologies without the constraints of older systems.

"Explore smart learning platforms, integrate competency-based approaches, and foster an environment where students are not just learners, but thinkers, creators, and problem solvers," she advised.

Inyangala further noted that universities are engines of solutions, whether in education, health, technology, or social development, emphasising the need for CIU to invest in research and community engagement from the start. 

"Build a culture where curiosity, inquiry, and service guide your mission."

She called for transparent processes, solid leadership, and sound management, saying it will help the university grow sustainably and earn confidence from stakeholders, students, and the wider community.

"Consolata International University, you have a unique opportunity to shape your story, grounded in values, ambition, and excellence," Inyangala said.

She reiterated the ministry's and that of the Commission for University Education to support the institution as it continues to grow.

On his part, the Commission for University Education chairperson James Owino said that before granting the Letter of Interim Authority to CIU, a rigorous evaluation process was undertaken to ensure that as it commences its operation, it will be offering quality university education.

He said the Commission has developed a comprehensive draft roadmap to guide universities as they prepare for the first CBE cohort in 2029.

"A total of 137 Teacher Education Programmes have been revised to align them with CBE and 600 university staff have been sensitized on what this transition means in practice," he said.

He said last week, the Commission brought together 70 Quality Assurance Directors and Deans of Students for a practical session on integrating CBE with Artificial Intelligence.

The conversation that brought together local and international experts and has already sparked new thinking in our institutions of higher learning.