Chaos Erupts at Kenya School of Government Forum Over New University Funding Model

The Kenya School of Government was engulfed in turmoil yesterday afternoon during a high-profile forum between private university stakeholders and the government. The forum, meant to discuss the implications of the new university funding model, took an unexpected turn when frustrated university students stormed the meeting, demanding answers on why they had been excluded from the benefits of the new funding model.

The students, hailing from several private universities across the country, expressed their dissatisfaction with the new model, which they claimed was discriminatory and favored students from public universities. Their anger and frustration were evident as they chanted solidarity songs, disrupting the meeting and forcing the discussion to halt.

The new funding model, recently introduced by the government, has been a topic of heated debate among education stakeholders. While public university students have been identified as beneficiaries of the model, private university students have been left out, sparking widespread discontent. The government’s decision to exclude private university students has been criticized as unfair and unconstitutional, with many arguing that it violates the principle of equal access to education for all.

The forum, which had been organized to address concerns and provide clarity on the new funding model, was attended by key government officials, including Dr. Beatrice Inyangala, the Principal Secretary for Higher Education and Research. However, the presence of the PS did little to quell the anger of the students, who were determined to have their voices heard.

One of the students, speaking directly to Dr. Inyangala, questioned the empirical evidence that had informed the transition to the new funding model. “PS, one, what is the empirical evidence that underpinned the transition to this new funding model, and how were the potential adverse consequences anticipated and addressed in its formation?” the student asked, highlighting the lack of transparency in the decision-making process.

The student went on to question the alignment of the new funding model with the provisions of the constitution, which guarantee equality of education to all, including marginalized groups. “Number two, Madam PS, how does the new funding model align with the provisions of the constitution that talk about the equality of education to all, including the marginalized?” the student inquired, pointing out the constitutional implications of the government’s decision.

The students were not alone in their protest; they were accompanied by vice-chancellors from various private universities, who had also expressed concerns about the impact of the new funding model on their institutions. The students emphasized that they were not mere puppets to be manipulated and that their grievances needed to be addressed.

“We are not puppets. ‘Hatujakuja hapa kuwabembeleza’—we are rejecting it in totality,” one student declared passionately. The student’s frustration was palpable as they questioned the government’s decision to send 16,000 students to Kisii University while ignoring nearby private institutions with available resources. “How can 16,000 students be sent to Kisii University while there is a university just here, which has lecturers, and most of the lecturers are young people? We are the ones that are employing young people. In public universities, how many tutors are below the age of 35?” the student asked.

The chaotic scene at the Kenya School of Government underscores the deep dissatisfaction and growing unrest among private university students and stakeholders. The government’s new funding model, intended to address financial challenges in higher education, has instead sparked a wave of controversy and opposition. As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to the concerns raised by private university students and whether any adjustments will be made to ensure equitable access to education for all.