University Students Defy Their Leaders, Protest Over Funding Model.
A group of university students in Eldoret City and Machakos began demonstrating to demand an overhaul of the new university finance scheme. The students, led by Moi University student leaders, promised to continue the demonstrations even after they were suspended.
The protests came just a day after another faction in Nairobi called off their strike on Sunday following consultations with education stakeholders.
There has been significant unhappiness with the current university funding arrangement, which students allege prevents many students from pursuing higher education.
“We are demonstrating against the punitive and oppressive new funding model that seeks to bring inequality in education,” one of the student organizers complained.
“Education equalizes all students from all backgrounds. We are concerned about the discriminatory nature of the new university finance arrangement.
The students swore not to approve the new funding model and would continue to call on President William to return to the original funding model while stakeholders sought a new solution.
Among other things, the student leaders advocated for a reduction in the cost of hostel rooms and tuition fees, which they claim have risen dramatically without public engagement.
The administration stated on Sunday that it will form two working committees to study the new finance mechanism.
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The committees will include student representatives in an attempt to find a solution to the complex issue confronting the country’s educational system.
According to a news release from the Ministry of Education, the working committees will include student leadership, specialists, and other relevant stakeholders.
The striking students asked that the bands, particularly Band 4 and Band 5, be disbanded and removed entirely. “We reject and object to the new university funding model,” the students chanted.
University Students Defy Their Leaders, Protest Over Funding Model.
