Prof. Maurice Oduor Okoth

Honorary degrees are often tailored to the nature of the achievements they recognise. Kenyan universities continue to honour individuals who have made remarkable societal contributions by awarding honorary degrees. Honorary degrees are awarded to individuals with significant societal contributions, adhering to strict guidelines. In academia, honorary degrees (honoris causa) are prestigious accolades awarded to individuals whose exceptional contributions transcend formal education. Originating in...

Partnerships with global organisations have facilitated staff exchanges, scholarships, and collaborative research, elevating the university’s reputation internationally. The killer bullet for MU was its rapid and unplanned expansion in the 2000s that led to new schools and satellite campuses without proper strategic or financial planning. Truth be told, MU’s challenges would test even the most skilled Vice-Chancellors, as these issues have...

The evolution of appointment and promotion criteria for academic staff in Kenya’s universities were shaped by efforts to enhance academic standards and fairness. As an expert in university education, I can herein caution that the absence of universal criteria opens the door for potential abuses. In light of the complexities and discrepancies surrounding academic appointments and promotions, the need for a...

The Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) plays an equally crucial role by overseeing student placement into universities. HELB provides loans to students, enabling many from low-income families to pursue their academic goals. The adoption of Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) marked a shift towards skills-based education from early childhood through to university. Higher education is a cornerstone of national development, playing...

Like it or hate it, University rankings are increasingly shaping the landscape of higher education, influencing everything from student decisions to institutional policies. Although each ranking system has its own methodology, most are built around common core parameters, which are weighted differently. Universities that collaborate with industry and generate income through innovation and applied research tend to score well in this...

Many students from needy backgrounds were reportedly placed in higher financial brackets, limiting their access to the critical support they needed for higher education. Despite receiving billions in government allocations, many institutions struggled with stalled projects, rising debts, and slow or nonexistent development. The relationship between student numbers and the decreasing percentage of DUC funding highlights the challenges that Kenyan...

Some "briefcase" virtual universities allow individuals to simply upload a thesis, pay the necessary fees, and within a few days, obtain a Master's or PhD certificate.  In a technique called rebranding, these con artists take executive and professionally edited photos in full graduation regalia while holding a handful of the certificates as a way of academically cleansing themselves. Authorship...

By coming together in a single forum, VCs can work towards a more cohesive and resilient higher education system that benefits all stakeholders. Harmonising standards across the sector has become more challenging when institutions operate in silos, potentially leading to discrepancies in educational outcomes. Separate forums have made it hard to tackle these national priorities in a unified and effective manner,...

The growth in universities has created numerous job opportunities for academic and non-academic staff, boosting the economy and has the potential to promote research and innovation, addressing local and national challenges through scholarly work. Regulatory bodies like the Commission for University Education (CUE), have strained to maintain oversight and ensure compliance with quality standards amid diminishing resources. By capitalising...

Academic culture demands a certain decorum, respect, and adherence to tradition, especially during significant events like graduation. It is crucial that those attending graduation ceremonies adhere to the robing guidelines set by the university senates, and enforced by the academic registrars. Let this graduation season be a reminder of the significance of academic culture and the responsibility we all share in...