23 Public Universities Declared Insolvent, Koskei Warns of Sector-Wide Reform
Head of Public Service Felix Koskei has revealed that 23 public universities in Kenya are technically insolvent, citing deep-rooted financial mismanagement and governance issues within the country’s higher education institutions.
In an opinion piece published in a local daily, Koskei stated that the ongoing forensic audits have uncovered widespread mismanagement of resources in institutions once known for academic excellence. He emphasized the need for urgent reforms to restore financial and operational stability in the education sector.
“With 23 public universities technically insolvent, financial sustainability is an imperative. Revenue diversification, professional management of income-generating units, and real-time financial reporting are a must,” he said.
Koskei criticized the current state of governance in public universities, citing dysfunctional leadership, political interference, and poor strategic oversight. He noted that these factors have led to the stagnation of intellectual output and diminishing academic standards.
To address the crisis, vice chancellors and university councils have been instructed to:
- Strengthen governance structures
- Eliminate political influence in hiring and appointments
- Enforce performance contracts
- Base leadership transitions and staff appointments on merit and institutional continuity
“Corruption, wastage, and the defiance of lawful authority are no longer tenable within public institutions,” Koskei stated.
The announcement comes as several major universities face significant challenges. The Technical University of Kenya (TUK) has been officially declared insolvent, while the University of Nairobi (UoN) and Moi University continue to struggle with leadership conflicts, mounting debts, and legal issues.
Koskei also called for reforms in the basic education sector, urging a curriculum shift towards practical skills, job-readiness, and alignment with industry needs. He advocated for gender inclusivity in technical fields, support for learners with disabilities, and localized training programs that reflect national priorities.
“We must stop producing jobless graduates. Education should build a skilled, ethical workforce that drives national growth,” he concluded.
Koskei’s remarks signal a heightened push by the government to overhaul the public university system and enforce accountability across the education sector.
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23 Public Universities Declared Insolvent, Koskei Warns of Sector-Wide Reform