Nairobi, Kenya – Vice Chancellors of various universities in Kenya have expressed serious concerns over the shortage of professors, warning that it could adversely impact the quality of education and research. The situation, as described by KCA University Vice Chancellor Prof Isaiah Wakindiki, reveals a significant deficit of academic leaders in the country.
According to Kenya News Agency, Kenya, with its extensive network of over 100 universities and colleges, has less than 1,000 professors. He pointed out that KCA University, running 50 academic programs, has only five professors, indicating a need for over 100 professors to adequately serve its academic community.
The concern was echoed during the university’s 15th graduation ceremony at its Ruaraka Main Campus. Prof Wakindiki emphasized the urgency of the situation and called on lecturers to enhance their qualifications through research and attain professorship to sustain the future of academic departments and maintain education quality.
Similar concerns were raised last year by Kenyatta University Vice Chancellor Prof Paul Wainaina, who noted the absence of full professors in several departments, including Education, which had only a handful of full and associate professors. He stressed the impending departure of these professors due to retirement, leaving a vacuum in education and research.
Prof Wainaina emphasized the pivotal role professors play as think tanks in universities and urged other institutions to support their lecturers in achieving higher academic and research credentials. The current shortage points to a critical need for a strategic approach to cultivate and elevate academic leaders to ensure the continuity and quality of university education in Kenya.