Graduates in science disciplines offered by the Kampala International University may not find jobs in Kenya after the government said the qualifications were not recognised.

Higher Education minister Asman Kamama told Parliament that some of the institution’s courses were, however, recognised by the Ministry of Education because they were accredited by the East Africa Community.

“They are offering some courses that have not been cleared by the Commission for Higher Education (CHE) especially in sciences. Courses that have not been cleared will never be recognised in Kenya,” Mr Kamama said.

The institution came to the limelight two weeks ago when CHE chief executive officer David Some said it was not recognised in Kenya leaving graduates and their parents staring at worthless papers and wasted investments respectively.

Over 10,000 Kenyan students are pursuing studies at the institution.

Mr Kamama told Parliament that only students holding Degrees, Diplomas and Certificates from institutions meeting CHE standards were eligible to compete for employment in Kenya.

While responding to questions from MPs on the institution’s status, Mr Kamama said CHE had recognised 743 Chinese Universities out of over 1,500 institutions to offer training to Kenyan students.

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“We will not gamble with quality of Kenya’s education which is recognised continentally and globally. We will subject courses offered outside this country to Kenyan quality standards,” Mr Kamama said.

Dujis MP Adan Duale and his Keiyo South MP counterpart Jackson Kiptanui demanded to know the official government position on the courses offered by Kampala International University.

“We are aware that the Medical Practitioners and Dentist Board has recognised students who graduated from that university. We want to know if the university is accredited or not,” said Duale.

Mr Kiptanui demanded that the minister publishes all courses that CHE has approved to be offered by Kampala International University to enable parents and students make informed decisions.

The minister said through CHE, the ministry conducts annual exhibition of Kenyan and foreign universities where they showcase accreditation status and challenged parents to seek information before admission in foreign learning institutions.

He said Tanzania and Uganda also conduct similar fairs to disseminate information with regard to accredited universities.

“I appeal to parents and students seeking admissions outside Kenya to get information from CHE or our ministry. We have all this information,” he said.

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