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Quality of higher education in Kenya: Addressing the conundrum

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  • McCowan, Tristan

Abstract

Despite the consensus amongst all stakeholders of the critical need for action in the higher education sector in Kenya, national and institutional drives for quality have had limited impact. This study aims to assess the barriers to enhancing quality in Kenyan higher education, drawing on interviews, observations and documentary analysis as part of a three year study. Three types of barrier are identified in the data: resources (staffing and infrastructure), governance (organisational structures and stakeholder participation) and pedagogical culture (social hierarchies and approaches to teaching, curriculum and assessment). On the basis of these findings, it is argued that a ‘three-pronged’ response is needed: reforms in policy and practice must address simultaneously the material conditions of universities, the forms of institutional organisation, and the cultural relations of teaching and learning.

Suggested Citation

  • McCowan, Tristan, 2018. "Quality of higher education in Kenya: Addressing the conundrum," International Journal of Educational Development, Elsevier, vol. 60(C), pages 128-137.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:injoed:v:60:y:2018:i:c:p:128-137
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ijedudev.2017.11.002
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. World Bank, 2010. "Financing Higher Education in Africa," World Bank Publications - Books, The World Bank Group, number 2448.
    2. Simon Marginson, 2016. "High Participation Systems of Higher Education," The Journal of Higher Education, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 87(2), pages 243-271, March.
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    Cited by:

    1. Anne W. Njagi & Joseph Ngugi Kamau & Charity W. Muraguri, 2021. "Adhocracy Culture and Strategy Implementation: An Application within Professional Bodies in Kenya," International Journal of Business and Management, Canadian Center of Science and Education, vol. 15(9), pages 1-47, July.
    2. Asuamah Yeboah, Samuel & Antwi Boasiako, Ama, 2024. "Beyond the Classroom: Quality Assurance in Developing Nations," MPRA Paper 122486, University Library of Munich, Germany, revised 13 Oct 2024.
    3. McCowan, Tristan & Omingo, Mary & Schendel, Rebecca & Adu-Yeboah, Christine & Tabulawa, Richard, 2022. "Enablers of pedagogical change within universities: Evidence from Kenya, Ghana and Botswana," International Journal of Educational Development, Elsevier, vol. 90(C).
    4. Mr. Micah Asuke & Miss. Charity Otieno & Mr. Isaiah Ouma, 2023. "Educational Strategies for Improved Enrolment into STEM Programs in Kenyan Technical and Vocational Education Training," International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), vol. 7(8), pages 1582-1589, August.

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