QUALITIES OF A WORLD-CLASS UNIVERSITY AND THE DRIVE TOWARDS ACHIEVING WORLD-CLASS UNIVERSITIES IN KENYA IN THE LIGHT OF COMPETENCY-BASED EDUCATION
Abstract
Statement of the Problem: The concept of the world-class university has become central to higher education reforms globally, as nations seek to establish institutions capable of driving socio-economic transformation through research, innovation, and high-quality graduate production.
Purpose of the Study: This paper critically examines the defining qualities of world-class universities and analyzes Kenya’s strategic efforts to achieve this status within the framework of Competency-Based Education.
Methodology: The paper is based on a review of theoretical and empirical literature, drawing on Human Capital Theory and Knowledge Economy Theory, as well as scholarly works by Altbach, Salmi, and Becker.
Findings: The study identifies research excellence, academic freedom, internationalization, strong governance, adequate resources, and high-quality graduate production as key characteristics of world-class universities. It further establishes that CBC and CBE reforms can support competency-oriented learning and improve the relevance of higher education in Kenya.
Conclusion: The study concludes that Kenya has made notable progress in expanding access to higher education and reforming curricula. Nonetheless, funding gaps, weak infrastructure, low research productivity, and governance challenges continue to hinder the full achievement of world-class university status.
Recommendation: The study recommends increased investment in research, infrastructure, governance reforms, international partnerships, and competency-based teaching approaches to strengthen Kenya’s movement toward world-class universities.
Keywords: Qualities, World-Class University, Drive, Achieving, Light, Competency-Based Education
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