State Department for Higher Education and Research (SDHER)

Core Functions

The core functions of the State Department are as follows:

1. University Education Policy;
2. University Education Management;
3. Management of Continuing Education (excluding TVETS);
4. Science, Technology and Innovation Policy;
5. Public Universities and Constituent Colleges
6. Governance of public universities
7. Biosafety management

The functions of the State Department are also guided by the Universities Act 2012 Revised (2015, 2016 and 2018), the Science, Technology, and Innovation Act 2013 and the Sessional Paper No. 1 of 2019 on a Policy Framework for Reforming Education and Training for Sustainable Development in Kenya.

Mandate

The State Department for Higher Education & Research derives its mandate from executive order no. 1 of 2023 issued under the hand and seal of the President on the 6th day of January the year of our lord two thousand and twenty-three.

Objectives

The main objectives of the State Department include:

1. To enhance access, equity, quality and relevance of education and training at the university level.
2. To promote and integrate research, science, technology and innovation at all levels.
3. To promote and coordinate the development of Science and Technology.
4. To provide relevant and adequate skills and competencies in strategic disciplines for spurring industrial and economic development in line with the aspirations of Kenyans.

Achievements and status of ongoing projects

The Government has expanded access through establishment of new universities and expansion of the existing ones that has increased enrolment in universities. The number of universities, both public and private increased to seventy-eight (78) in 2022/23. The universities comprise of thirty-eight (38) Public Chartered Universities, four (4) Public University Constituent Colleges, twenty-five (25) Private Chartered Universities, eight (8) Universities operating with Letters of Interim Authority (LIA) and three (3) Private University Constituent Colleges. A summary of the type and number of Universities is the table below.

Scholarship for University Education

Administration of scholarships offered by friendly countries

One thousand six hundred and ninety-three (1693) International scholarships have been granted to the Government of Kenya through the Ministry of Education since 2018.

The State Department receives scholarship offers from friendly countries on an annual basis. These scholarships which are given through bilateral agreements, are aimed at building a competent workforce to meet the National development goals. These scholarships are also meant to assist bright needy students as well as build capacity in areas where the country needs specialized skills. The Ministry of Education’s Directorate of Higher Education is Mandated to process the scholarships.

The type of scholarships includes those which are either fully or partially funded. Full scholarships cater for the cost of airfare, tuition and medical insurance in addition to a stipend which assists the student in paying for accommodation and meals. In Partial Scholarships, the donor country meets only part of the total expenses. Usually the donor country pays for tuition fees only. The student is required to meet the cost of airfare, accommodation, medical insurance cover and other expenses related to the course of study.

The terms and conditions of scholarships received are announced to the general public through an advertisement on MyGov pull out on Tuesdays and Ministry website requesting the candidates to apply.

Since 2018 the Ministry of Education has processed scholarships from fifteen (15) countries. The attached list shows the applicants and beneficiaries over the years. The number of applicants and beneficiaries’ visas summarized in the table below:

Semi-Autonomous Government Agencies (SAGAs) in the State Department

In order to effectively undertake its mandate, the State Department also comprises 38 Public Universities, 4 University Constituent Colleges and two (2) specialized degree awarding Public Universities, eight (8) Semi-Autonomous Government Agencies (SAGAs), which are charged with various responsibilities as presented in table 1.

Table1: SAGAs and their Mandate

The State Department has two (2) Directorates which are technical departments namely:

1. Directorate of Higher Education (DHE)
2. Directorate of Research, Science and Technology (DRST)

In addition to the two directorates, the state department has Administration Department where all other sections fall including Central Planning Unit, Accounts, Supply Channel Services,  Human Resource Management, Public Communication, Legal Services, ICT and Finance.  

DIRECTORATE OF HIGHER EDUCATION (DHE)

The mandate and functions

1. Formulation and review of policies on University Education in collaboration with relevant bodies and agencies.
2. Overseeing Governance and Management of Universities.
3. Receiving and administration of university scholarships offered by foreign countries and agencies.
4. Coordination of admission of students to public universities in liaison with Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service.
5. Coordination of student exchange programmes.
6. Implementing, monitoring and evaluating various projects in University education.
7. Clearance of students going for foreign training.

DIRECTORATE OF RESEARCH, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (DRST)

Mandate and functions

1. Promote, facilitate and guide the national research system through policies that rationalize the integration of Research and Development (R&D) into overall national economic development.
2. Formulation and implementation of policies, strategies and programmes for research management and development;
3. Management and development of the national innovation system;
4. Development, promotion and application of science and technology;
5. International collaborations, partnerships and global obligations in research, science and technology;
6. National science, technology and innovation statistics;
7. Linkages between government, research, academia, industry and society;

OBJECTIVES

1. To develop and review Research, Science and Technology policies, strategies and related instruments including frameworks, papers and reports.

2. To promote and manage quality Science and Technology outputs through forums, repositories and National Innovation System.

3. To establish collaboration, partnerships and linkages in Science, Technology and Innovation. 

4. To mobilize resources for Research, Innovation and Infrastructure development.

5. To enhance Intellectual Property Management

6. To coordinate the establishment of Science and Technology Parks and facilitate Technology transfer.

ACHIEVEMENTS

1. STI Mainstreaming 
2. Strategic International Collaborations and Linkages 
3. National R&D Projects and Programmes in STI institutions
4. Research and Development surveys
5. National Science, Technology and Innovation Observatory (NASTIO)
6. STPs:1.DeKUT – STP 2. Konza  - STP
7. National Physical Science Research Laboratories (NPSRL)
8. Institutions sensitized to new and emerging technologies
9. Development of Policies, Strategies and Cabinet Memos
10. Science Technology and Innovations Policy, and the Biosciences Policy

State Department for  Technical Vocational Training