Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba has publicly apologized for her outburst during a recent Kamkunji in Parliament, where she expressed intense frustration over the new University Funding Model. The session, held on Tuesday, was an unofficial meeting convened by the Speaker to address pressing issues related to the State Department of Higher Education and Research’s new student funding system.
Wamuchomba’s agitation was palpable as she criticized the perceived inefficacy of the new funding model. She voiced her concerns over what she saw as a waste of time, stressing that MPs had spent an entire day seeking clarity from officials who seemed unable to provide concrete answers. Her frustration was compounded by the lack of clear communication regarding the new system, which she claimed jeopardized the future of students.
“We are wasting our time, Mr. Speaker. I think it is high time we acknowledge that this system is quite a mess. We must go back to the drawing board. We are wasting the lives and the future of our children,” Wamuchomba said, underscoring her distress over the situation. Her remarks extended to a call for the dismissal of those responsible for information dissemination within the State Department, whom she accused of being ineffective.
The Kamkunji saw the presence of notable figures such as Higher Education Principal Secretary Beatrice Inyangala, University Fund CEO Geoffrey Monari, and Prof. Daniel Mugendi, chairman of the Vice Chancellor’s Committee of Public Universities. The gathering aimed to address the various challenges associated with the new funding model, including its implementation and communication.
Wamuchomba’s passionate criticism highlighted a broader concern among legislators regarding the communication between the ministry, universities, and the public. Many MPs voiced their frustrations over the confusion and misinformation surrounding the funding model, which they argued undermined its effectiveness.
Senate Speaker Moses Wetang’ula echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the critical role of efficient communication. “Even with this very good model, the efficiency has been communication. It is now that we are hearing that even children who don’t have money should go and report, and those with distorted data should go and correct at the universities,” Wetang’ula noted, pointing out the disconnect between the model’s design and its practical implementation.
In response to the criticisms, Principal Secretary Inyangala defended the ministry’s efforts but acknowledged the need for improvement. She assured MPs that the ministry was actively working with university vice-chancellors to address the issues raised and to ensure that students were not unfairly excluded or disadvantaged by the new system.
Despite the assurances, Wamuchomba’s concerns remained poignant. In a subsequent apology issued via her X account, she expressed regret for her outburst, clarifying that her frustration stemmed from a deep concern for incoming university students. “I am sorry I was agitated in Parliament yesterday but I cry for the university freshers,” she said. She further elaborated, “After spending the whole morning from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm in Bunge’s Kamukunji, I am yet to be convinced that the Student-centred Funding Model will work for needy university students. We must be genuine for Kenya to work.”
The incident has sparked a broader conversation about the efficacy of the new University Funding Model and the challenges of implementing such systems in a way that meets the needs of all stakeholders involved. As the debate continues, the focus will likely remain on improving communication and ensuring that the funding model serves its intended purpose without creating further confusion or barriers for students.
In summary, Wamuchomba’s apology, while addressing her personal conduct, also underscores the pressing need for a more effective and transparent approach to implementing educational funding policies. The Kamkunji has brought to light significant concerns about the system’s current state, prompting calls for swift action and reforms to better support Kenya’s students.
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