Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu on Wednesday, February 28, called for an audit into allegations of universities withholding students' marks and thus hindering them from graduating.
While addressing Members of Parliament, Machogu responded to queries raised by lawmakers regarding concerns over institutions neglecting certain students based on their background, religion, or culture.
In particular, Nyali MP Mohamed Ali highlighted a specific university that allegedly withheld marks for Muslim students who declined to attend Chapel services.
"Could the CS clarify the alleged reports of students professing the Muslim faith in the University being coerced to attend the Chapel contrary to Article 32 of the Constitution?" he posed.
In a rejoinder, CS Machogu noted that his Ministry sought a response from the said university over the allegations. He explained that the university defended its regulations by pointing out that students are admitted with the knowledge that the institution is a Christian-based university.
"Upon admission, students sign a code of conduct whereby they agree to abide by the institution's Christian values and commit to participating in the universities' ritual disciplines," read part of the letter by the university to CS Machogu.
"The university has indicated that its students are required to attend at least 75 per cent of all scheduled chapel services in any given semester. However, it denies that release of marks is conditional on attending the service."
After reviewing the university's response, Machogu directed Education PS Beatrice Inyangala and the Commission for Higher Education to conduct an audit of the institution's policies and outline corrective actions to be taken.
"As a ministry, we have observed that the university's policy mandates all students, including those who are not Christian, to attend church services," he reaffirmed.
"This violates the Constitution and beliefs protected under Article 32 of the Constitution, which the government will not tolerate."
Machogu acknowledged that all universities should ensure fair treatment to all students regardless of their cultural or religious affiliation.
