Journal Screenshot

International Journal of Academic Research in Progressive Education and Development

Open Access Journal

ISSN: 2226-6348

Students’ Perceptions of Accountability in Higher Education: A Case Study of one Public University in Kenya

Phoebe NaliakaMukhale

http://dx.doi.org/10.6007/IJARPED/v6-i3/3079

Open access

This study explored university students’ perceptions in reference to accountability of higher education in Kenya. The study sought to investigate their perceptions on: role of higher education and key issues related to accountability. It also explored their overall views on quality assurance, accreditation and universities self-evaluation. The sample comprised 147 undergraduate students. The questionnaire was used to collect data. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. Findings show that students feel higher education plays a significant role in the development of the country. In relation to accountability, they were of the opinion that the quality of higher education in Kenya is low and that universities need to focus more on the current labor market demands. To promote accountability, majority of students were for the idea that their views be included in universities’ self-evaluation reports. In addition, they also want the detailed process of accreditation and self-evaluation of universities to be explained to them.

Aduda, D. (2017). Saturday 4th, Daily Nation. Nation Media Group, Nairobi.
Commission for University Education. (2014). Universities Standards and Guidelines for University academic programs. Retrieved on January 3rd from: www.cue.or.ke/6-standrads-and-guidelines?
Eaton, J. S. (2010). Accreditation and the future of higher education. Academe,96(5), pp.21-24.
Henry, M., Lingard, B., Rizvi, F., and Taylor, S. (2001). The OECD, Globalization and Education Policy. London: Pergamon.
Hernard, F., &Mittertle, A. (2010). Governance and quality guidelines in higher education: a review of governance arrangements and quality assurance guidelines. Retrieved from: www.oecd.org/edu/imhe/46064461.pdf.
Huisman, J., and Currie J. (2004). Accountability in higher education: bridge over troubled water? Higher Education 48(4) 529-551.
Republic of Kenya. (2012). The Universities Act No.42 of 2012. Nairobi: Government printer.
Republic of Kenya. (2007). Kenya Vision 2030.Nairobi. Government printer.
Rhodes, G., and Sporn, B. (2002). Quality Assurance in Europe and the US: Professional and Political economic framing of higher education policy. Higher Education, 43(3), 355-390.
Romzek, B. S. (2000). Dynamics of public accountability in an era of reform. International Review of Administrative Sciences.
The Standard reporter. (2017). Regulator gives varsities 30 days to address mess. The Standard, Saturday, 18th. Standard Group, Nairobi.
Trow, M. (1996). Trust, markets and accountability in higher education: a comparative perspective. Higher Education Policy,9(4), 309-324.
Vidovich, L. (2002). Quality Assurance in Australian Higher Education: Globalization and steering at a distance. Higher Education, 43(3), 309-324.
Wanzala, O. (2017). Varsities and employers team up to resolve skills mismatch. The Daily Nation, Wednesday, April 5th, Nairobi: Nation Media Group.

In-Text Citation: (NaliakaMukhale, 2017)
To Cite this Article: NaliakaMukhale, P. (2017). Students’ Perceptions of Accountability in Higher Education: A Case Study of one Public University in Kenya. International Journal of Academic Research in Progressive Education and Development, 6(3), 32–42.