Eight colleges ready to receive varsity charters

Eight constituent colleges are now ready for elevation to full-fledged universities.

An official from the Ministry of Education yesterday said Machakos University College, the Co-operative University College of Kenya, Murang'a University College and Rongo University College are ready to be granted charters once President Uhuru Kenyatta launches the second round of institutional upgrade.

The other four are Taita Taveta University College, Kirinyaga University College, Embu University College and Kenya Assemblies of God (KAG) East Africa School of Theology (private).

The elevation of the institutions will now bring the total number of chartered public and private universities to 48. Currently, there are 23 public universities and 17 private universities with charters.

Commission for University Education (CUE) has accredited some 70 universities to operate in Kenya. Principals of some of the colleges, yesterday hoped the President's schedule will be flexible as 'everything is already in order'.

A ceremony to grant charter to Machakos University College in May was called off, as the President's schedule could not allow. The elevation is set to increase access to university education across the country.

State Department for University Education Principal Secretary Collette Suda said the Government was committed to increasing access to university education.

She said seven new university colleges are being established.