The Commission for University Education (CUE) has issued an update on the upgrade of Makueni Town Campus to a constituent college of South Eastern Kenya University (SEKU).
In a letter to Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jnr., CUE Secretary and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Prof. Mike Kuria stated that the Commission has received his proposal for the upgrade.
“The Commission acknowledges receipt of your letter and proposal regarding the upgrade of Makueni Town Campus to a Constituent College of SEKU,” Kuria said.
Kuria clarified that SEKU will pay a gazette fee of Ksh 405,000 for establishing the constituent college.
“In line with the provisions outlined in Gazette Notice No. 6583, the Commission requires the proposed mentoring university, SEKU, to remit the gazetted fee of Ksh405,000 for processing and establishing the proposed University College,” he stated.
The letter was copied to the Principal Secretary, of the State Department for University Education and Research, Dr. Beatrice Inyangala, and SEKU Vice Chancellor (VC) Prof. Eng. Douglas Shitanda.
Governor Kilonzo noted that the County is awaiting final approval from CUE to realise its goal of establishing a university within Makueni.
“The dream of a university in Makueni is on course. We are waiting for the final approval,” he said.
Requirements Makueni Town Campus Must Meet
The basic requirements for establishing a new university are outlined in the Universities Regulations, 2014.
The Commission shall not process any application unless these requirements are met.
Upon receipt of the application, CUE will schedule a meeting or series of meetings.
During these meetings, available documentation or evidence relating to the resources listed in the application will be examined.
Issuance of a Letter of Interim Authority
CUE will commission a detailed and independent inspection to assess the available resources.
It shall have the authority to request additional information or documentation necessary for a thorough assessment.
Furthermore, the Commission will establish an Inspection Committee to conduct the inspection.
This Committee will include at least two senior academic staff, a university librarian, a registered architect, relevant CUE officers, and other professionals as deemed necessary.
The Inspection Committee will prepare a report and submit it to the Commission.
Following this, the Commission will review the application and decide whether to proceed with establishment or revoke the proposal.
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If the CUE finds the application meritorious, it will recommend to the Cabinet Secretary the issuance of a Letter of Interim Authority.
This permits the university to operate as specified in Section 15 of the Act until revoked or until it gains accreditation.
A Letter of Interim Authority grants the powers, rights, and privileges outlined in Section 15 of the Universities Act.
Institutions operating under this letter may establish governance organs, including the Council, Senate, and Management Board.
Additionally, these institutions must adhere to Section 16 of the Act.
The Letter of Interim Authority shall be published in the Gazette, as stipulated in section 14 of the Act.
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Granting of a Charter
CUE officials may conduct annual inspections of universities holding a Letter of Interim Authority to verify standards and progress towards obtaining a charter.
The Inspection Committee will compile a report and submit it to the Commission.
Subsequently, CUE shall issue written directives to the inspected institution highlighting areas requiring compliance.
After four years of holding a Letter of Interim Authority, the institution must formally apply for a Charter.
The Commission will then arrange a final inspection through the Inspection Committee.
If the report is satisfactory, the Commission will recommend to the Cabinet Secretary that the university be granted a Charter.
“Where the Commission is not satisfied, it may recommend to the Cabinet Secretary an extension or revocation of the Letter of Interim Authority in the manner specified in Section 16 of the Act,” the Act states. the Act,” reads part of the Act.
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