The past few weeks have witnessed controversy over recognition of questionable qualifications for clearance to run for office.
The focus has turned to the concerned authorities, in particular the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission and the Commission for University Education.
Conspicuously, the Kenya National Qualifications Authority has been missing in the whole drama. KNQA was established in 2015 to help coordinate and harmonize education, training, assessment and quality assurance of all qualifications awarded in the country. With this, it sought to help with quality and international comparability.
CUE, on the other hand, is mandated to undertake recognition and equation of diplomas, degrees, post-graduate diplomas and post-graduate certificates conferred or awarded by foreign universities and institutions. This is in accordance with Section 5 (1) (g) of The Universities Act No. 42 of 2012; Section 5A (2) of The Universities Act No. 42 of 2012, Revised Edition 2016 [2015]; Part XI of The Universities Regulations, 2014 and The Universities Standards and Guidelines, 2014.
Many Kenyan families invest millions of shillings to study in Kenya and abroad. Notably, the majority of students relocating overseas for studies are recruited by representatives and agents of the foreign institutions based locally.
It happens that in the past few years, many Kenyans have lost millions of shillings to unscrupulous representatives / agents. The agencies purport to represent foreign-based institutions but turn out to be fake or non-existent. In some other cases, students have returned to Kenya with certificates from institutions that are not accredited and recognised locally.
There is lack of a proper mechanism on how information should be disseminated about the opportunities abroad. For a long time, local agents collude with international contacts — some who are Kenyans resident abroad. This is the case even when they have no jurisdictions.
The recent decision by the CUE to regulate higher education representatives who assist students study abroad is a timely and most welcome move.
According to the Commission, licensing of student recruitment agencies is one of the functions provided in the Universities Act of 2012, the Universities Regulations, 2014; Sections 71-75 and the Universities Standards and Guidelines, 2014.
This is to ensure local agencies recruiting students to study in foreign universities are duly regulated for the benefit of Kenyans intending to pursue university education in accredited and recognized institutions and awarded degrees.
This is to ascertain valid Student Recruitment Agencies operating in Kenya. CUE will also track and keep data of the number of students studying in accredited foreign universities and the validity of certificates acquired.
The licensing also seeks to streamline the local agencies for student recruitment, regulate agencies for advertising, exhibiting and marketing foreign universities in Kenya as well as foreign universities directly advertising,.
Additionally, it will take appropriate action against Student Recruitment Agencies operating illegally in Kenya.
To regain confidence in qualifications being presented for authentication this is what is required,
First, through the representatives, ensure students proceed to institutions already recognised by CUE and ascertain that the learners meet the minimum requirements for entry into the academic programmes they apply for.
Third, CUE should prescribe a code of conduct for accredited agents, as this is the accepted practice in most foreign jurisdictions.
Four, CUE should conduct due diligence by working with their counterparts overseas and five, the agents should be held culpable in the event they present students with documents they know are fake. Lastly, CUE should organise stakeholder meetings with all agencies handling student matters
In undertaking this exercise, CUE shall rely the Ministry of Education, diplomatic missions accredited to Kenya, embassies abroad, parents’ organisations, student bodies and the media
International education representatives / agents play a significant role in counselling and referring students to international education providers. This is an important component of the quality assurance of the international education industry.
Therefore having agents regulated and provided with training and professional development is crucial. Practicing agents require having up-to-date information about international education.
Dr Njau Gitu is an educator who also practices as a governance and leadership adviser.
@GNjauGitu
