BOTH public and private universities could soon be under government scrutiny if a bill by Higher Education ministry becomes a law. Minister Margaret Kamar said the Universities Bill and Science Technology and Innovation Bill 2012 aims at streamlining university education by strengthening the Commission for Higher Education. If the bill is passed the commission will be charged with the mandate of vetting the universities.

Kamar said the bill will ensure that the universities are managed effectively with the aim of improving the quality education. Kamar made remarks during the 27th graduation ceremony at Moi University at Narok University college on Friday. She was accompanied by Moi University Chancellor Prof Bethwell Ogot, Vice Chancellor Prof Richard Mibey, chairman of the council Prof K ole Karei and the principal Prof David Serem. "We will continue to expand to realise the critical mass of skilled human resource, especially as we gear to achieve the Vision 2030 goals," Kamar.

The minister called on leaders of institution of higher learning to take a adopt new techniques that are being used to run universities nowadays. "Effectiveness and efficiency in the management of the universities is a critical factor in realisation of the stated vision, mission and objectives," she said.

Prof Kamar also said that the universities and their constituent colleges must operate like businesses that are guided by their mandate to deliver with the consumer being at the centre stage.