House Committee Reviews Universities Amendment Bill, 2023
The National Assembly Committee on Education, led by Hon. Julius Melly, is currently reviewing the Universities (Amendment) Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 38 of 2023), which proposes significant changes to the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) board.
The bill seeks to amend Section 55(3) of the KUCCPS Act by removing the representation of private universities on the board, allowing it to consist solely of members from public institutions. Hon. Melly emphasized the government’s regulatory role in the education sector, stating, “KUCCPS exists to place students and collate data on those in tertiary institutions in Kenya.”
Additionally, the proposed amendment to Section 56(1)(a) introduces the term “public,” indicating that only government-sponsored students will be placed in public universities. This aspect of the bill has drawn criticism from the National Association of Private Universities Kenya (NAPUK), which argues that the removal of private university representation is unwarranted, especially in light of the new student financing model separating placement from funding based on family economic status.
Committee members acknowledged KUCCPS’s broader responsibilities beyond mere student placement, which include career guidance and data collection on university admissions. Hon. Jersuha Momanyi remarked on the commission’s comprehensive mandate, emphasizing its vital role in disseminating information and supporting students.
Hon. Phyllis Bartoo suggested that KUCCPS could expand its offerings by developing a database for international students, potentially enhancing its services and outreach.
The Committee is also set to consider other significant legislation affecting the education sector, including the Basic Education Bill and the TVET Amendment. The ongoing discussions reflect a critical moment in shaping Kenya’s higher education landscape and the role of various institutions within it.
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