吃瓜头条 recently underwent a formal inspection by the Commission for University Education(CUE), covering two programmes, Bachelor of Architecture and Master’s of Public Policy- each inspected separately, as part of the institution’s ongoing commitment to maintaining academic standards and programme quality. The inspection led by Prof.Peter Kamau, Executive Dean of the School of Engineering and Architecture, with Dr.Arch.Judy Kabene presented the departmen’s Self Assessment Report(SAR) to the visiting team and Prof. David Minja, Executive Dean School of Law, Arts and Social Sciences together with Dr.Weldon Ngeno presented the Master of Public Policy report. The CUE team included Prof. Pamela Ochieng, Prof Gerishon Munala, Dr Jeremiah Koshal, Dr Anthony Ralwal Oduor and Mr Benson Kimani.
The Architecture and Interior Design department, now 10 years old, has grown into a comprehensive academic unit offering a structured six-year professional programme. The programme is organised as a four-year Bachelor of Architectural Studies(pre-professional phase) followed by a two-year professional Bachelor of Architecture.
This progressive structure is designed to build students’ competencies incrementally, moving from foundational design and technical knowledge through to full professional practice. In preparation for the professional world, the department prepares its graduates for registration with the Board of Registration of Architects and Quantity Surveyors (BORAQS) as well as the Architectural Association of Kenya, positioning them firmly within the professional landscape upon completion of their studies.
Underpinning the programme is a stakeholder-informed curriculum with industry demands, targeting five core learning outcomes: design competency, technical and structural knowledge, research and ICT skills, and professional and ethical practice. Furthermore, labour market requirements and graduate job profiles were equally factored into the programme design, ensuring graduates are well-positioned for the architectural profession upon completion. Running alongside the Bachelor of Architecture audit was the separate inspection
of the Master of Public Policy, a two-year programme offered at KU’s City Campus. Dr.Weldon Ng鈥檈no guided the CUE team through the programme’s structure and content, with the presentation equally anchored on the 18 criteria framework.
As with any rigorous academic audit, the CUE team had an opportunity to raise several areas requiring attention. Key amongst these were questions around the conduct of external examinations, the adequacy of supporting learning resources, as well as exposing the students to woodwork and metalwork and the intricacies of student barazas as a feedback mechanism. The team further queried how students without a fine art background were being accommodated within the programme- answered that their are no victimisation and all cases have been handled successfully – and how practicums, which commence at the second year of study, were being structured and assessed. The discussion touched on items to be formulated for example implementation of computers in the classrooms and its implications for traditional studio-based learning.
Prof.Gerishon Munala further raised questions on whether the university’s vision statements has been cascaded to the department level, which is addressed through the KU strategic plan 2023-2027, as well as the department’s international students attraction rate and how the 1:10 lecture- to -student ratio is maintained. In response, the department addressed all concerns through the SAR and subsequent discussion. Heavy emphasis was placed on tracking students from registration through graduation via an online tracking system, ensuring accountability at every stage of the academic journey. On the graduates’ profile, it was noted that they are empowered to independently pursue their career advancement and specialisation as they see fit.
In support to this programme, the department highlighted its robust facilities in KU, including 6 studios, a theatre,3D modelling laboratories, model cutting machines, virtual and augmented (VA) reality rooms and studio sites- all evidence to its commitment to practical, industry -relevant training. The KU team reaffirmed the CUE team that the programme is supported by enough teaching staff- 17 full-time and 17 part-time, adjunct professors and two international staff from Egypt and Spain, and showcased how it has enrolled 250 students. Quality assurance, staff development, plagiarism control through a 10% strict threshold with a footnote system and one of the departmen’s achievements in the Bachelor of Architecture was having the largest number of students at 35 – were all highlighted as areas of institutional strength.
Concluding the inspection, the CUE team commended the department for a well-organised presentation before proceeding to interact directly with staff and students. This inspection workshop served as a testament to KU’s unwavering commitment to academic excellence, reinforcing its standing as an institution that does not merely meet standards but actively works to surpass them.