CUE Dissemination Workshop at Machakos University Explores University Performance and Future-Ready Graduates

Machakos University hosted a high-level Dissemination Workshop by the Commission for University Education (CUE) on 25th June 2026, at the University Conference Centre, bringing together senior officials from the Ministry of Education, the Commission for University Education, and leaders from institutions of higher learning to deliberate on university performance indicators and graduate preparedness for the evolving job market.

The workshop commenced with opening remarks by CUE Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Mike Kuria, who set the stage for insightful discussions on the future of higher education in Kenya. Participants were welcomed by Prof. Mugendi M’Rithaa on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Joyce Agalo. The workshop was officially opened by Mr. Darius Mogaka Ogutu, Director of Higher Education, representing the Principal Secretary, State Department for Higher Education and Research, Dr. Beatrice Inyangala.

A key highlight of the workshop was a presentation by Dr. David Muthaka on the 2025 University Statistics Report. The findings revealed continued growth in Kenya’s higher education sector, alongside emerging challenges, including under-enrolment in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and Agriculture programmes and over-enrolment in Health Sciences and Education programmes. Dr. Muthaka emphasized the importance of strategic planning and noted that CUE continues to monitor institutional performance through six critical pillars, including staffing, research, infrastructure, governance, student affairs, and academic quality.

The conversation then shifted to graduate employability, with Prof. Jackson Too presenting findings on employer perceptions and expectations of university graduates in Kenya. According to the study, employers highly value technical competencies and digital skills, while communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving remain areas requiring greater attention within higher education institutions.

The workshop underscored the need for universities to align academic programmes with labour market demands, address enrolment imbalances, and strengthen the development of soft skills among learners. These interventions are expected to enhance graduate competitiveness, promote internationalization, and position Kenyan universities as globally relevant centers of excellence. The discussions reaffirmed the collective commitment of higher education stakeholders to producing competent, innovative, and future-ready graduates capable of driving sustainable national and global development.