Students at Masinde Muliro University{PHOTO|WestFm file]

The Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) have cautioned individuals wishing to enroll for the Privately Sponsored Student Programme (PSSP) to be wary of some private universities which have opened campuses in Kakamega town.

The MMUST Director of PSSP Professor John Nandi pointed out that some of the campuses are questionable and cautioned prospective students seeking to join such institutions to visit his office for guidance.

Nandi said it would be an exercise in futility for those wishing to pursue higher education to join such institutions with questionable background only to discover later that the degrees offered are not recognized in the country.

Addressing education stakeholders at the Bukhungu Stadium in Kakamega, the Administrator, who did not want to name the institutions he was referring to, said he was ready to furnish the information confidentially if approached by prospective students.

The Don said that there is a rush in opening campuses by private institutions in the area due to demand by employed people seeking certificates and degrees in order to fit in the new system of devolved government.

“There is high turnout from civil servants and employees from the private sector seeking to register for university programmes in private university campuses some which are offering cheap courses to attract a large number of students,” he disclosed.

He told the participants that the government has an organization for institutions of higher learning known as the Commission of Higher Education (CHE) which has data for credible and recognized universities in the country and whose details can be obtained from his office.

Saying that individuals are likely to fall prey to such unrecognized university campuses, Nandi said he is aware many people are taking loans to undertake studies in universities adding that such people should be guided to avoid losing their money.

“Some people are taking loans from commercial banks and Sacco’s to pursue higher education. They should be advised that not all universities are accredited. Their money stands to be swindled,” he added.