It's time for varsities to diversify sources of funding

Kenyan institutions of higher learning, have predominantly relied on state subsidies to oversee their daily operations and management aspects. [iStockphoto]

Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu recently said the government was considering not funding universities. While he backtracked and clarified the context of his remarks, they are an eye-opener to the higher education sector.

A study in the UK, by Emerge Education and sponsored by Group GTI, revealed that the largest, rather biggest existential threat faced by universities is financial sustainability.