CUE inspects Kapenguria University College ahead of Accreditation

The Commission for University Education (CUE) conducted inspection of Kapenguria University College to assess its preparedness for accreditation, in a significant step towards strengthening the institution’s capacity to provide quality higher education and expand learning opportunities in West Pokot County and the surrounding region.

The inspection, held on Friday, 16 October, 2026  brought together representatives from the Commission for University Education, the University of Nairobi (UoN) and the West Pokot County Government in a joint effort to assess the institution’s progress, existing facilities and readiness to meet the requirements for accreditation.

The CUE delegation was led by its Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Mike Kuria, who held a consultative meeting with the University of Nairobi team led by Prof. John Mande, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic Affairs, who was representing the Vice-Chancellor. The West Pokot County Government delegation was led by the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Education, Hon. Rebecca Kide.

The engagement provided an opportunity for the stakeholders to reflect on the progress made by Kapenguria University College, discuss its current status and assess the steps required to advance its development.

Prof. Michael Wangai, UoN Quality Assurance division, made a presentation on the status of Kapenguria University College, currently under the tutelage of the University of Nairobi on behalf of the team. Prof. Wangai has been at the fore front of the collaboration and he has been one of the most instrumental people in making sure the Kapenguria University College  was ready for the day.

The presentation provided an overview of the institution’s progress and preparedness in meeting the requirements for accreditation. It also offered the Commission an opportunity to gain a better understanding of the university college’s current position as it continues to develop its academic and physical infrastructure.

The University of Nairobi’s role in mentoring and supporting Kapenguria University College remains an important part of the institution’s development journey. Through this relationship, the university college continues to work towards strengthening its capacity and establishing the foundation necessary to support quality teaching, learning and student welfare.

The consultative meeting also underscored the importance of cooperation among higher education stakeholders in ensuring that institutions aspiring for accreditation are adequately prepared to meet the required standards

Following the meeting, the inspection team toured Kapenguria University College to assess the facilities available to support academic activities and the overall student experience.

The tour covered classrooms, the clinic, student hostels, the mess and sports fields among others. These facilities form an important part of the university college’s learning environment, supporting not only academic delivery but also students’ health, accommodation, recreation and general well-being.

The inspection enabled the Commission to observe the available infrastructure and assess the institution’s preparedness against the standards required for accreditation.

For a growing institution, adequate infrastructure is essential to creating an environment where students can learn, interact, develop their talents and prepare for future professional responsibilities. The availability and suitability of teaching facilities, accommodation, health services and recreational spaces are therefore important considerations in assessing an institution’s readiness to provide higher education.

The exercise provided an opportunity to review the institution’s existing capacity while identifying areas that may require further attention as it continues working towards meeting accreditation requirements.

The participation of the West Pokot County Government, led by Education CECM Hon. Rebecca Kide, highlighted the importance of collaboration between national higher education regulators, established universities and county leadership in supporting the growth of higher education institutions. She underscored the importance of education to the people of West Pokot and thanked the University for being at the forefront of making sure the County attains its first ever University. Students from West Pokot have been occupying a large portion of Universities in nearby counties, something which will significantly change with the establishment of the university. The university is also projected to attract students from the neighboring counties as well as Uganda and South Sudan.

Such opportunities can contribute to the development of skilled professionals, strengthen local capacity and support the county’s broader social and economic development aspirations.

The engagement between CUE, the University of Nairobi and the county government reflects a shared interest in ensuring that the institution develops on a sound foundation and meets the standards necessary for quality higher education.

Ahead of the CUE inspection, the University of Nairobi and the West Pokot County Government held a consultative meeting to prepare for the engagement and coordinate their efforts in support of Kapenguria University College.

The preparatory meeting provided an opportunity for the two parties to discuss arrangements for the forthcoming inspection and align their efforts towards supporting the institution’s accreditation process.

This engagement complemented the subsequent meeting with CUE, demonstrating the value of early consultation, coordination and partnership in advancing the institution’s development agenda.

The inspection marks an important stage in Kapenguria University College’s continued development. While accreditation requires institutions to demonstrate compliance with established standards, the process also provides an opportunity to review existing capacity, strengthen institutional systems and identify areas for improvement.

For the University of Nairobi, continued mentorship and support remain central to helping Kapenguria University College progress towards meeting the requirements for accreditation. The involvement of CUE and the West Pokot County Government further reinforces the collaborative approach needed to support the institution’s aspirations.

As the institution continues on this path, sustained cooperation among all stakeholders will be essential in strengthening its infrastructure, enhancing its capacity and preparing it to serve students and communities effectively.

Kapenguria University College represents an investment in the future of higher education in West Pokot County. Its progress towards accreditation offers an opportunity to broaden access to learning, nurture talent and contribute to the development of a skilled workforce that can serve the county, the region and the country.