A Bid to Acquire Qualifications and Credentials and Quality University Education in Kenya – a Lecturer’s Dilemma

Abstract

This paperqualitative desktop research which aimed at highlighting the dilemma that the lecturers in Kenyan Universities find themselves in as they juggle their lives between publishing or perishing, providing Quality Education (QE) as per the provisions of Commission for University Education (CUE), and other stakeholders. The study was driven by CUE which has pointed out again and again that quality of university education has gone down; CUE criteria on lecturer upward mobility,United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) educational requirements and current National goals; and challenges facing lecturers in a bid to remain relevant. The study findings indicated that both qualifications and credentials are essential in providing QE; but without support in terms of funding, time, infrastructure is a mindboggling task for lecturers; development of virtual universities and distant learning and for Kenya, devolution, matters of QE will become even more complex. Universities should find a mechanism of engaging all their stakeholders to establish structures for implementing the QE; incentives and rewards for university lecturers should be provided systematically and substantially with the linking of performance appraisal with research.The studyrecommendsthat the Government and CUE should rethink the double intakeand parallel programs;carefully invest in physical facilities, teaching and research resources and innovative Information Communication Technology (ICT). Individual Universities should invest in orientation and development programs for lecturers and develop niche programs and businesses to provide financing to improve their infrastructure. Finally, universities in Kenya should work with the industry and individual investors to: develop the ICT and other infrastructure to meet world stands; and this would help universities to be in touch with the industry requirements in terms of products' skills and core competencies.