CS Matiang'i warns of likely closure of several universities

Education Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiangi has warned higher learning institutions operating on interim accreditation certificates that are long overdue that they risk closure.

He has directed the Commission for University Education (CUE) to quickly investigate such institutions over failure to comply and seek full accreditation.

The CS was speaking during the 37th graduation ceremony at Amref International training center on Monday, December 11. He announced that CUE approved the transition of the Amref Africa training center into a full-fledged university.

The institution will now run as Amref International University that will offer medical and public health courses.

The institution held its last graduation as a training center releasing 560 health professionals into the health service sectors with diplomas and certificates.

CS Matiangi who graced the event said CUE in its review of the institution was satisfied and approved the upgrade of the institution. The CS issued an interim charter to the Amref Africa CEO Dr. Githinji Gitahi during the ceremony.

“The commission (CUE) during the review process was satisfied that Amref University has met the set standards and I know that this institution will offer quality education,” said Dr. Matiang’i.

Health Ministry permanent secretary Dr. Julius Korir lauded the initiative as one seeking to contribute to efforts to have universal healthcare provision.

He said the ministry is targeting to enroll over 100,000 health workers to provide health services towards contributing to the realization of Universal Healthcare coverage in Kenya.

Dr. Githinji, Amref Africa CEO said it had taken a collaborative effort and hard work for the institution to produce highly skilled personnel to the Kenyan health sector and Africa as a whole.

The institution’s vice chancellor Dr. Peter Ngatia said the university health science programs will be rolled out in January 2018.

The CS ordered for the investigations of other institutions that still operate on interim accreditation warning that they risk deregistration.

Amref International Training Centre, Nairobi has been offering virtual training for healthcare professionals since 2007.

The institution in partnership with Moi University incepted Masters in Public Health studies in 2008.

The Nursing Council of Kenya also partners with the virtual training center to offer upgrading courses for nurses and community health courses.