Abstract:
The period 2011-2012 observed expanded University education in Kenya. Some newly
established Universities launched curricula and training in forestry, agroforestry and other
environmental courses which are universally known pillars of sustainable development and
social wellbeing. This paper presents information on student’s admissions and enrolment in
these programmes as well as challenges and opportunities in curricula delivery, form a national
opinion and derive areas of improvement and recommendations. Findings in this paper
contribute to streamlining forestry and environmental education, research and training while
addressing emerging issues and challenges of the 21st century. Data was collected from
University of Kabianga between 2011/2012 and 2015/2016 academic years. Data from
University of Eldoret, Moi University, South Eastern Kenya University and Karatina University
were used for comparison purposes. Statistics on students’ admissions and enrolment from
2004/2005 to 2014/2015 were used to cover periods before and after expansion of Universities.
The study revealed a positive strong correlation between increasing the number of Universities
on the levels of students’ admissions and rate of enrolment in Kenya. Diversification of
programmes within any given University also indicated positive effect on levels of students’
admissions and enrolment rates. However, high rates of late reporting and deferment of courses
hint at University education challenges to be addressed. Kenyan Universities also face
challenges in staffing, capacity for staff development, inadequate facilities, specialized field
laboratories and internship opportunities. In short and midterm, promotion of digital learning
platform such as video conferencing would enhance sharing of scarce academic staff, while
purposive increased scholarships, exchange programmes and exchequer facilitation to support
mobility to the field and develop field facilities for selected specializations would motivate the
society and enhance relevant quality education.
