Education Cabinet Secretary (CS) Fred Matiang’i sent a serious warning to drug lords and cartels who are running drug businesses in public universities.
The CS noted that there had been an increased number of drug peddling cases in public universities and institutions of higher learning and directed university councils to urgently deal with the matter.
Matiang’i explained that the issue was of great concern and threat to national security as it interfered with the learning environment which was a critical component in ensuring high quality of education standards in the country.
The CS pointed out Maseno University where cases of student violence have recently been reported and directed the University Council to investigate the matter.
“I have directed, through the Commission of University Education, for full investigations in such cases especially at Maseno where cases of students fighting in their hostels are rampant,” he stated.
Dr Matiang’i also warned Kenyans seeking education outside the country that it would be useless to seek education in countries that do not match local thresholds as such certificates would not be recognised and owners of the papers would not be employed locally.
Matiang'i also noted that his ministry would go to any extent to ensure that higher education standards were raised and maintained across East African countries.
"As you are aware, Tanzania did an audit and 16 universities were closed down, Rwanda also just did an audit and 5 universities were shut. We just did our audit and we shall go to any lengths to ensure standards are maintained," Matiang'i stated.
Last year, the National Authority for Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) ordered investigations on University of Nairobi students over alleged drug abuse and sale following massive cases of student unrest in the institution.
The CS was speaking in Naivasha while addressing the newly constituted university councils.
