Matiangi tells universities to manage resources better

The Cabinet Secretary for Education Dr. Fred Matiang’i has asked the Councils of University Education (CUE) to strengthen the accountability and management systems of the institutions saying that they will be held accountable for all resources allocated.

Matiang’i challenged Universities to develop internal conflict resolution mechanisms instead of running to courts to resolve conflicts.

“Officials in Universities are the most exposed, the most educated and the most knowledgeable, therefore, they should devise ways of handling conflicts internally so that they can concentrate in serving students,” said Matiang’i.

He further cautioned universities against securing loans to buy buildings and other assets in urban centers, saying that it does not add value in improving the quality of education.

“I won’t allow Universities to procure debts that add little or no value to access and quality of University education they offer.”

The Cabinet Secretary lauded Kenyatta University for establishing a Uni-City and a petrol station within the institution’s ground.

“The generation of third stream income by the University through the two projects is a major addition to the institutions capital base because it will enable the university to meet its ever-increasing budgetary requirements in the realization of its core mandates of teaching, research and community service,” noted Dr. Matiang’i.

He challenged public Universities to explore other ways of financing their operations other than depending on the exchequer and tuition fees from students.

The CS also praised the outgoing Vice Chancellor Prof. Olive Mugenda for pioneering an entrepreneurial model in managing Universities, saying that her leadership ability was highly sorted out by young people.