Influence of audit by accreditation bodies on quality of academic programmes in higher education institutions in Kenya: a case of Faculty of Education, University of Nairobi.

Abstract

This study examined the influence of audits by authorized accreditation bodies on the quality of academic programmes’ quality in Higher Education Institutions in Kenya: A case of the Bachelor of Education programme at the University of Nairobi. The study used Deming's Theory of Quality Management. A descriptive survey design targeted heads of academic units, lecturers, and alumni of the Faculty of Education. A sample of 111 lectures, 360 Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) alumni, and 16 Heads of academic units was selected and included both open and closed-ended questions. The analysis generated quantitative and qualitative outcomes whereby quantitative data was coded and analyzed using Social Sciences Statistical Packages (SPSS Version 25.0). The study applied descriptive statistics using frequencies and inferential statistics to determine the relationship between variables. NVivo software was used to analyze qualitative data, and responses with common patterns or themes were clustered into coherent groupings per the study's objectives. The findings revealed that audits by accreditation bodies significantly influenced the quality of academic programmes.

Further, the study established that audits by accreditation bodies enhanced the provision of quality products and services. Audits guarantee that the university's academic units follow set standards for service delivery that meet stakeholders’ requirements. The study recommends that audits by accreditation bodies should be conducted on a more regular basis to enhance the quality of service delivery. In addition, universities should provide quality and relevant programmes to respond to industrial needs and improve the country's education quality.