Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka has vowed to lead nationwide protests against the newly unveiled university funding model, which he and other opposition leaders argue will disadvantage poorer students and exacerbate educational inequality. The funding model, introduced on May 3, 2024, and championed by President William Ruto, is designed to reform the allocation of financial support for higher education in Kenya. However, critics claim it will entrench class divides and make university education less accessible to low-income families.
Kalonzo Musyoka, addressing the press, voiced his strong objections to the new model. He asserted that it represents a significant departure from equitable education policies, effectively making higher education a privilege for the wealthy. “This administration has no idea on how to go about it. We will mobilize the country to say no if we are going to make university education only for the rich and not for the poor. The poor will rise and claim their position,” Musyoka declared. He emphasized that the new model threatens to undermine the progress made in making education accessible to all Kenyans, regardless of their economic status.
The controversy surrounding the funding model has sparked widespread reactions from students, parents, and education stakeholders. Many have voiced concerns that the model perpetuates inequality by categorizing students into five bands based on their financial background, a shift from the previous Differentiated Unit Cost (DUC) system. Critics argue that this banding system will disadvantage students from poorer backgrounds by limiting their access to necessary financial support.
Eugen Wamalwa, leader of the Democratic Action Party-Kenya (DAP-K), echoed similar sentiments, pledging to seek justice for university students affected by the new funding framework. Wamalwa’s commitment highlights the growing unrest among various political and educational leaders regarding the model’s implementation.
In defense of the new system, President William Ruto has argued that the changes are intended to improve the fairness and efficiency of university funding. According to Ruto, the updated model introduces a fifth band to the existing four bands, which were already in place under the previous system. He asserted that this adjustment will ensure that funding is more accurately aligned with students’ financial needs.
The President has also addressed concerns regarding errors in band placement. Ruto stated that approximately 134,000 students applied for funding under the new model, with 26,000 lodging appeals after being placed in incorrect bands. He assured that these students would receive feedback within two weeks, emphasizing that any mistakes made during the data entry process would be corrected.
“Every student or parent who appealed the banding in the new funding model will get their responses if they supplied the information and corrected the information in the portal,” Ruto explained. He acknowledged that while some mistakes may have occurred, the government is committed to rectifying them promptly to ensure fairness.
The debate over the new university funding model underscores broader concerns about educational equity in Kenya. As protests loom and political leaders continue to challenge the model, the government faces increasing pressure to address the criticisms and demonstrate that the new system will genuinely benefit all students, not just the affluent.
In conclusion, the controversy over the new university funding model highlights a significant divide between government intentions and public perception. With Kalonzo Musyoka and other leaders threatening nationwide protests, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether the government can resolve these issues and implement a funding system that aligns with its promises of fairness and accessibility in higher education.
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