Students at the University of Nairobi are planning to protest against the new university funding model introduced by the Kenya Kwanza administration. In a letter dated August 16, 2024, the University of Nairobi’s Student Council announced its intention to hold a demonstration on September 2, 2024.
The protest will specifically target the increased tuition and accommodation fees that have resulted from the new funding policy. The council’s statement emphasized the need for students to unite in making their voices heard against what they perceive as an unfair and burdensome system.
“On 2nd September, 2024 we must come together for a mega demonstration to make our voices heard,” read the official statement.
The students are expressing their disillusionment with the increase in fees, particularly criticizing the lack of participation and consultation by the university’s management in the decision-making process.
This frustration has fueled their decision to organize the demonstration, as they feel the new fees structure was imposed without adequately considering their concerns or involving them in meaningful dialogue.
At the top of their demands, the students are calling for a significant reduction in accommodation fees due to the current harsh economic conditions.
READ ALSO:Shutdown of Schools and Universities Looms Following Teachers, Lectures’ Strike
They are particularly vocal about the high cost of accommodation, which they argue is unjustifiable given the deplorable living conditions they endure. The students are demanding that accommodation fees be lowered from the current Ksh42,000 per semester to Ksh15,000.
In their official statement, the students emphasized that the University of Nairobi must address this issue by reducing the accommodation rates significantly before September. If their demands are not met, they have vowed to proceed with the planned demonstration on September 2, 2024.
The students further expressed their strong opposition to the new university funding model, with a clear message: “We must reject the new funding model imposed upon us. Our education is not a commodity to be exploited for profit.” This sentiment reflects the widespread concerns raised by various stakeholders about the practicality and fairness of the new system.
Amid this growing discontent, student leaders from universities across the country have been invited to State House as the government seeks to garner their support for the controversial funding model.
However, confusion and frustration have been prevalent among students, many of whom feel misclassified under the new model, leading to their intensified opposition.
Under the new university funding model, students are assigned to one of five bands based on the financial capacity of their families. These bands determine the level of government support and the amount of household contributions required for each student.
In an effort to address concerns and ensure access to higher education, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos has directed all public universities to admit students unconditionally, regardless of their ability to immediately pay the required household contributions.
This move is intended to prevent financial barriers from obstructing students’ access to education while the broader issues surrounding the funding model are addressed.
