The University of Nairobi (UoN) is facing a potential strike on Monday, September 2, as students protest against a new university funding model they claim could make public university education more expensive than private institutions.
The students are calling on President William Ruto to address their concerns and engage in dialogue.
At a press briefing, UoN President Rocha Madzao expressed the students’ dissatisfaction with the new funding model, arguing that it would result in public universities, including UoN, becoming less affordable compared to private schools. “There is a high chance that education in public universities will become more expensive than at private institutions. It may soon be more cost-effective to attend Strathmore University than the University of Nairobi,” Madzao said, highlighting the financial strain on learners and potential dropout rates.
Madzao further pointed out that the new model could severely impact student enrollment and retention. For instance, he noted that a class of over 500 medicine students saw only 170 enroll, with many others being unable to afford the increased fees.
He emphasized that the situation has caused significant tension, anger, and trauma among students.
University of Nairobi student leaders call on government to scrapt new university funding model. Photo cartesy Nipashe Biz
Solomon Oketch, Chairman of the Council of Governors at UoN, criticized the government for not involving students in the development of the new model. “It is unacceptable that we are being asked to discuss the model only after its implementation. The President did not consult us when this process began,” Oketch said.
He also mentioned that many parents are frustrated with the non-functional appeal portal and the government’s insistence that they file appeals.
The students have extended their call to parents, inviting them to join peaceful demonstrations if their grievances are not addressed. They lament that during President Ruto’s school years, education was nearly free, contrasting sharply with the current situation.
The students accuse the President of neglecting the needs of poorer students while promising support to less vulnerable groups.
The funding model’s placement system has also drawn criticism. Students in Band 1 have been reclassified to Band 5, not based on their financial status but on academic merit. The system has led to significant fee increases, which critics argue benefit university chancellors by allowing them to charge higher fees and potentially enrich themselves.
Joseph Mwaniki, UoN Students Governor, announced plans to reject the recent hike in accommodation fees, which rose from KSh 6,000 per year in 2019 to KSh 42,000 in 2021.
Mwaniki is calling for a reduction to KSh 15,000 per year and warned that if their demands are not met, students will stage demonstrations and block major roads including Uhuru Highway, Waiyaki Way, and Thika Highway.
The students have promised peaceful demonstrations on Monday, aiming to make their voices heard and push for a reconsideration of the new funding model.