Entrenching quality assurance culture through graduate tracer studies in East Africa: lessons learnt, challenges and prospects from Mutrace

Abstract

In many countries especially in Europe, a new demand has emerged in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) that they should provide empirical evidence regarding the professional relevance of their study programs. Africa is following suit. The experiences and knowledge gained in Graduate Tracer Studies (GTS)including Methodology, Interpretation of Findings and Dissemination, Lessons Learnt and Challenges should be shared and utilized for quality assurance not only in Moi University but also in East Africa Universities and elsewhere. This paper highlights the experiences with graduate tracer studies at Moi University including the methodology adopted,results obtained from graduates,opportunities, lessons learnt and challenges.The methodology of the study includes survey preparation and field phase, data analysis,interpretation of findings and dissemination.Moi University Tracer Studies(MUTRACE)experiences presented a lot of opportunities and challenges which are discussed in this paper. If the findings of Graduate tracer study are adapted,they can immensely help to improve the quality of education and services in HEIs. They can also be of value at informing policy and guidelines for HEIs, CUE in Kenya and IUCEA. In conclusion,GTS culture should be embraced in all HEIs in East Africa and the findings of graduate tracer studies used for Quality Assurance purposes among other objectives.