Abstract:
The purpose of this paper is to propose a guide for graduate trace studies (GTS) to be adopted by universities and
other higher education institutions (HEIs) in East Africa. Their essential role notwithstanding, graduate tracer
studies present viable opportunities through which quality assurance (QA) can be institutionalized and
mainstreamed in activities of HEIs in East Africa (EA). Moi University is embracing graduate tracer studies
triggered by the DAAD UNITRACE initiative much for the reason of generating from immediate users of
university academic services, nuanced and evidenced information requisite for improvement of university
education and service programmes. This paper is presented as a proposal for a GTS guide for East Africa higher
institutions of learning (HEIs) that if accepted shall benchmark through GTS methodology and results for use to
entrench a culture of quality assurance at universities. The objective of this paper thus, is to propose a
methodological guide for graduate trace studies suitable for East Africa Universities. Using experiences,
methodologies, results and lessons of a pioneer graduate tracer survey conducted at Moi University, the paper
posits a seven staged GTS guide that fits the needs for East Africa. Information feedback, recommendations and
evaluative proposals made by graduates about their experiences during degree study and transition to the job
market immensely help to improve the quality of education and services at the University (table 1). This paper
should arouse our desire to initiate and entrench GTS as means by which we can achieve quality assurance at
universities and HEIs in East Africa. Originality and value of this paper lies in its first ever proposal for a guide
for GTS suitable and domesticated for East Africa