Narc Kenya Party leader Martha Karua has made a fervent appeal to President William Ruto, urging him to scrap the newly introduced university education funding model and reinstate the previous system. Speaking at a media briefing held at her party’s headquarters in Nairobi, Karua condemned the current administration for what she described as the mismanagement of the country’s education sector, which she claimed is on the verge of collapse.
Karua’s remarks came at a time when the education system in Kenya is facing increasing challenges, particularly in higher education. The new funding model, introduced by President Ruto’s government, has stirred significant controversy, with many stakeholders expressing concerns over its implications for students, universities, and the education system as a whole.
Karua criticized the model, asserting that it was a poorly thought-out reform that does not adequately support students, particularly those from low-income backgrounds. She argued that the system has not only broken the government’s campaign promises but also failed to provide adequate financial support for students, forcing many to face immense financial barriers in accessing higher education.
“The government of President Ruto is playing with fire in its systematic dismantling of education at all levels,” Karua stated, her voice filled with conviction. “This administration has pursued reforms that are poorly conceived, and in the process, it has failed to deliver on promises made to the people of Kenya, especially the students.”
Karua’s criticism extended beyond the funding model. She accused the government of ignoring court orders, intimidating critics within public universities, and disregarding Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) with lecturers. These actions, she claimed, are creating an atmosphere of instability within the education sector, which is severely detrimental to the country’s future.
“By disregarding agreements with lecturers and failing to support students from low-income backgrounds, this government is pushing the education system toward collapse, and the consequences will be dire for future generations,” Karua warned.
In addition to her concerns about higher education, Karua highlighted the ongoing challenges within the broader education sector, particularly in early childhood education. She pointed out that the country is grappling with inadequate infrastructure and a shortage of well-trained teachers, issues that have compounded the difficulties faced by students and educators alike. The lack of sufficient resources for early childhood education, she emphasized, sets a poor foundation for learners, which ultimately affects their performance in later stages of education.
Karua’s critique was not confined to higher education alone. She expressed concern over the unresolved issues surrounding teacher recruitment, particularly in secondary education. Teachers’ shortage remains one of the critical challenges facing the sector, and Karua called on the government to take decisive action to address this issue.
Karua’s call for action was echoed by other prominent political figures, including former Makueni Governor Professor Kivutha Kibwana, former Mukurweini MP Kabando wa Kabando, and former Trade Minister Dr. Mukhisa Kituyi. Kibwana, in particular, reflected on the contrast between the current situation and his own university experience, when the government provided more robust financial support to students.
During his time as a student, Kibwana recalled, students received government bursaries, which made university education more accessible to those from less privileged backgrounds. Today, he noted, the rising costs of education and the new funding model have left many students struggling to meet their educational needs, undermining the prospects of a whole generation.
“The current system is making it harder for students to access education, particularly those from low-income families,” Kibwana said. “We need a model that works for everyone, not just the privileged few.”
As the education sector continues to face significant challenges, Karua and her allies are calling for immediate reforms to address the systemic issues that are threatening the future of education in Kenya. With rising costs, shrinking support for students, and growing discontent among educators, the pressure on the government to act has never been more intense.
In light of the escalating crisis, Karua’s call to revert to the previous funding model is gaining traction among many who fear that the current path could irreparably damage the country’s education system. The future of Kenya’s young people hangs in the balance, and it remains to be seen whether the government will heed the calls for reform and take the necessary steps to safeguard the future of education in the country.
