By KURIAN MUSA
A high-level meeting on the monitoring and evaluation of teaching and learning environments in public universities was held on April 29, 2025, at FEDCOS Theatre II, Egerton University. The session was led by officials from the Ministry of Education and brought together key academic and administrative leaders from the university.
The Ministry delegation comprised Bonface Gitahi (Principal Research Officer), Caroline Owade (Assistant Director, Research), Dr. Roselida (Director, Research), and Nelly Muchori (Human Resource Management and Development). They spearheaded discussions aimed at assessing the state of academic infrastructure, resourcing, and the overall learning environment in public universities.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Isaac Kibwage officially opened the forum, encouraging participants to speak candidly. “Your insights are essential in shaping a more dynamic and effective academic environment,” he emphasized.
Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academics, Research and Extension, Prof. Bernard Aduda, lauded faculty members for their forthrightness and commitment to improving higher education quality.
Participants discussed challenges related to infrastructure, digital learning, student engagement, and faculty welfare. A recurring concern was the inadequate resourcing from the Exchequer, which has constrained universities’ ability to maintain aging infrastructure, including lecture halls, theatres, hostels, and critical utilities. The limited operational budgets were cited as a major barrier to sustaining a high-quality learning environment.
More than 100 participants attended, including Deans of Faculties—Prof. Steve Omondi (Science), Prof. Flora Fedha (Education), and Dr. Augustus Sammy Muluvi (Arts)—as well as Prof. Micah Chepchieng’ (Director, Undergraduate Studies), Prof. Charles M’Erimba (Director, Postgraduate Studies), Chairs of Departments, Chief Finance Officer Charles Wanjohi, Registrar Academics Prof Mwanarusi Saidi, Prof. Nzula Kitaka (Director, Marketing and Resource Mobilization), and Dr. Anne Njoki (Head, Medical Services).
The engagement is part of a wider Ministry initiative aimed at aligning public universities with Kenya’s higher education development goals. Insights from the session will inform future policy decisions and institutional reforms.
