University students have called off a planned demonstration against the government’s proposed new funding model, giving the government a one-month ultimatum to address their concerns.
Speaking at Beirut Restaurant in Nairobi on Sunday, September 8, the student leaders urged the government to engage in bilateral discussions before the controversial model is implemented.
The leaders, drawn from various universities, united to address an issue they consider critical to the future of higher education in the country.
In a joint press release, they highlighted the anxiety that has gripped universities and households in recent months regarding the new funding structure.
Some of the protestors sitting on Thika Road.
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“For months now, comrades and their families have been under immense stress due to the categorization of students under the new funding model. Many of our fellow students have been wrongly classified, and most parents are unable to meet the required household contributions,” lamented one of the student leaders. “Some students cannot even report to their respective universities due to lack of proper classification.”
The students acknowledged the efforts made by various stakeholders to resolve the issue but expressed dissatisfaction with the current progress.
However, they welcomed the government’s latest proposal to form an inclusive committee involving student unions to re-evaluate the funding model and consider the appeals already raised.
“While we appreciate the government’s goodwill and the proposal to form a committee with representation from the student unions, we urge that this process be expedited. We need immediate, short-term remedies while a commitment is made for a long-term solution to the funding crisis,” the leaders emphasised.
The student leaders also called on the government and university administrations to reduce the exorbitant cost of hostel accommodations and spread out strict fee deadlines over the semester, allowing students more flexibility in managing their financial obligations.
Although they have decided to give dialogue a chance, the leaders warned that they will not accept complacency from the government.
“Street demonstrations are not the best option right now, but if our concerns are not met, we will have no choice but to take further action. We see light at the end of the tunnel, but it is in everyone’s best interest to fix this now.”
Citing concerns over the infiltration of planned protests by political groups, the students announced their decision to suspend tomorrow’s scheduled “tisa tisa” demonstrations.
They urged fellow students to remain calm and committed to the negotiation process, hoping to achieve a solution beneficial to all parties involved.
Meru National Polytechnic students protest after 3 students die in a road accident on March 8, 2024
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Godfrey Mutwiri
