Transforming Higher Education in Kenya
ACCESS AND EQUITY IN HIGHER EDUCATION IN KENYA
A paper presented for
The KIM SOM CONFERENCE 2009
Theme: Transforming Higher Education: Opportunities and Challenges
Sub Theme: Access and Equity in Higher Education
By
NAME : OWINO ROSE ATIENO
DESIGNATION: TEACHER IN SECONDARY SCHOOL
&
EMBA STUDENT – KIM NAKURU
HD334-033-0234/ 2008
Email address: atienowino @ yahoo.com
Postal address: P.o.box 13091, Nakuru.
Mobile no. : 0720203200
ABSTRACT
In the last decade, a great transformation has been witnessed in terms of access to opportunities for higher education. This is evidenced by the rapidly growing number of colleges and universities offering degrees, diplomas and certificate courses. Enrollment levels in institutions of higher learning have increased.
There’s competition between colleges in setting up campuses away from the capital city to far flung districts. All parts of the country have been catered for. Accessibility has cut across all ages. Fifty year olds graduating are no longer a strange phenomenon. Gender parity has also been catered for. More women can now get access to higher education than any other time in our history. Access is likely to increase even further with the shifting trend towards distant learning through the internet and virtual learning centers.
In spite of the increase in accessibility, equity is still a challenge. While each of the above issues serves to address equity, pertinent issues still need to be addressed. They include the high costs of tuition and other fees. This continues to lock out a large number of potential students who are still grappling with “unga” issues. The opportunities also lock out a large proportion of Kenyans who dropped out of school at primary level since the KCSE certificate is an entry requirement.
Most colleges have located their campuses in urban areas locking out the rural folk. The number of Kenyans pursuing higher education in neighboring Uganda is also of great
A paper presented for
The KIM SOM CONFERENCE 2009
Theme: Transforming Higher Education: Opportunities and Challenges
Sub Theme: Access and Equity in Higher Education
By
NAME : OWINO ROSE ATIENO
DESIGNATION: TEACHER IN SECONDARY SCHOOL
&
EMBA STUDENT – KIM NAKURU
HD334-033-0234/ 2008
Email address: atienowino @ yahoo.com
Postal address: P.o.box 13091, Nakuru.
Mobile no. : 0720203200
ABSTRACT
In the last decade, a great transformation has been witnessed in terms of access to opportunities for higher education. This is evidenced by the rapidly growing number of colleges and universities offering degrees, diplomas and certificate courses. Enrollment levels in institutions of higher learning have increased.
There’s competition between colleges in setting up campuses away from the capital city to far flung districts. All parts of the country have been catered for. Accessibility has cut across all ages. Fifty year olds graduating are no longer a strange phenomenon. Gender parity has also been catered for. More women can now get access to higher education than any other time in our history. Access is likely to increase even further with the shifting trend towards distant learning through the internet and virtual learning centers.
In spite of the increase in accessibility, equity is still a challenge. While each of the above issues serves to address equity, pertinent issues still need to be addressed. They include the high costs of tuition and other fees. This continues to lock out a large number of potential students who are still grappling with “unga” issues. The opportunities also lock out a large proportion of Kenyans who dropped out of school at primary level since the KCSE certificate is an entry requirement.
Most colleges have located their campuses in urban areas locking out the rural folk. The number of Kenyans pursuing higher education in neighboring Uganda is also of great
References: Bruns, Barbara, Alain M, and Ramahatra R. (2003). “Achieving Universal Primary Education by 2015: A Chance for Every Child.” World Bank Policy Study. Glewwe, Paul. (2002). “Schools and Skills in Developing Countries: Education Policies and Socioeconomic Outcomes.” Journal of Economic Literature 40:436-482. Hanushek, Eric, and Javier L. (2003). “Efficiency and Equity in Schools around the World.” Economics of Education Review 22: 481-502. _____________. (1986). “The Economics of Schooling.” Journal of Economic Literature.. Pritchett, Lant, and, D Filmer. (1999). “What Education Production Functions Really Show: A Positive Theory of Education Expenditure.” Economics of Education Review”18(2):223-239. White, Howard. (2004). “Books, Buildings, and Learning Outcomes: An Impact Evaluation of World Bank Support To Basic Education in Ghana.” OED World Bank. World Bank. 2004. “World Development Report: Making Services Work for Poor People.” _________ _________. 1990. Primary Education. A World Bank Policy Paper. Wossman, Ludger. (2003) “Schooling Resources, Educational Institutions and Student Performance: The International Evidence.” Oxford Bulletin of Economics and Statistics, 65(2), pp.117-170.