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The Nairobian

PS Inyangala calls for harmonisation of systems to break higher education barriers in East Africa

Education

By Mike Kihaki | Mar 29, 2025

Beatrice Inyangala, the Principal Secretary of Higher Education, has called for the dismantling of barriers that impede student and staff mobility, emphasising that education should be at the heart of regional development.

The PS called for harmonisation education systems across the region is no longer a choice—it’s a necessity for East Africa to remain competitive in the global economy.

"Education should be at the heart of regional development. Our institutions must be the leaders in shaping a borderless education sector, where the free movement of students, staff, and ideas will foster a truly united East Africa," said Dr Inyangala.

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One of the most glaring issues discussed was the significant disparity in tuition fees across EAC partner states.

For many students, this financial divide is a major hurdle to accessing education. Inyangala lifted the lid on the injustice: Students from one partner country often pay exorbitant fees when studying in another EAC country, sometimes even in foreign currencies.

“Access to education should not be impeded by financial barriers, particularly when it comes to tuition fees. It is unacceptable that students from one EAC Partner State face significantly higher fees than those from the host country, sometimes even paying in foreign currencies,” she said.

The PS was speaking during the East African Community (EAC) Common Higher Education Area (EACHEA), education stakeholders meeting to address some of the region's most pressing challenges in higher education.

Dr Inyangala said this situation undermines the spirit of regional integration and limits the mobility of students who could otherwise contribute to a more connected East African community.

But beyond the financial barriers, there are other deep-rooted challenges. She shed light on the issue of academic fraud and the influx of substandard foreign education providers. Fake degrees and unregulated institutions are threatening the credibility of higher education in the region.

Inyangala warned that without strong quality assurance mechanisms, East African degrees could lose their value both locally and internationally.

Prof Gaspard Banyankimbona, the Executive Secretary of IUCEA, acknowledged the strides made in the region, particularly the establishment of the East African Common Higher Education Area in 2017. However, he noted that much more needs to be done.

"The integration of academic communities and research institutions is crucial to the success of the broader EAC integration agenda," he said.

He also challenged universities to reflect on their role in promoting regional integration, particularly in fostering mobility, competitiveness, and the exchange of knowledge.

While the barriers are many, the opportunities are vast. The EAC Students Mobility and Scholarship Scheme (EAC-SMS) has already laid the groundwork for enhancing student and staff mobility.

Universities across the region are beginning to participate in scholarship programs that not only provide opportunities for students but also foster a more integrated academic community.

By offering scholarships, universities can ensure that talented students from all EAC partner states have access to quality education and exposure to different cultures and academic perspectives.

Another major component of the regional integration effort is research collaboration. Universities are urged to come together and pool their intellectual and financial resources to tackle common challenges faced by the region.

By working together on joint research projects, East African universities can enhance the impact of their academic output and create sustainable solutions to issues such as food safety, public health, and artificial intelligence—areas that are vital to the region’s future.

As education leaders called for stronger policies to support these efforts, the message was clear: universities must take proactive steps to ensure the success of regional integration.

They must champion the internationalization of East African higher education, promote faculty mobility, and actively engage in initiatives like the East African Qualifications Framework for Higher Education, which ensures that qualifications are recognized across borders.

Commission for University Education CEO Prof Mike Kuria echoed these sentiments, urging universities to take practical steps to strengthen the EAC’s higher education sector.

He called for active participation in regional scholarship programs, international partnerships, and collaborative research projects to address the shared challenges facing the region.

"Our universities must not only advocate for regional collaboration but actively contribute to shaping the policies that will drive this integration," he said.

He observed that for East African higher education to truly become a bridge, not a barrier, it will require the commitment of all stakeholders—government bodies, universities, and students alike.

“The vision of a seamlessly integrated educational system in East Africa is within reach, but it will take collective action to break down the barriers and seize the opportunities for a more connected and competitive region,” he added.