Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has vowed to spearhead a nationwide campaign against the recently introduced university funding model, which he denounced as overly complicated and exclusionary towards Kenya’s lower-income families. Speaking to a charged crowd in Githurai on Sunday, Kalonzo strongly criticized the government for failing to consult the public and educational stakeholders before rolling out the controversial system.
"The current administration has plunged education into crisis," Musyoka declared. "We give notice to the government, which appears clueless about managing this essential sector, that we will mobilize the country to oppose this unjust model."
A Call for Education Justice
Musyoka’s opposition to the funding scheme reflects the growing discontent across various sectors, with critics accusing the government of attempting to make university education a privilege for the wealthy. "If the plan is to make university education a privilege only for the affluent, then the marginalized will rise to reclaim their rightful access," Kalonzo warned.
The Wiper leader emphasized that the new model was introduced without sufficient consultation or any pilot testing, leaving many Kenyans unprepared. According to Musyoka, even university administrators have admitted that they were left out of critical discussions about the model.
Nationwide Concerns Over Funding Model
"Education is in crisis," Musyoka added, pointing to the widespread confusion and frustration among students and parents alike. He warned that the failure to engage stakeholders has resulted in a system that is both impracticable and unfair.
Musyoka's remarks come amidst increasing criticism of the new funding model’s transparency and inclusivity. The model, which introduces a banding system based on household income, has faced resistance from students, educators, and opposition leaders.
Student Resistance and Government Pushback
In an attempt to clarify the model, President William Ruto hosted a town hall meeting with students, explaining that the new system builds on a funding band structure that has existed since 1996. "Instead of having 4 bands, we made it 5," Ruto stated, aiming to dispel concerns that the system was brand new.
However, the president's explanations did little to assuage students' concerns. Many questioned the banding process and the fairness of determining funding based on parental income, with student leaders fielding pointed questions about the new formula.
As the debate over the university funding model intensifies, Kalonzo Musyoka's vow to lead a national campaign could further fuel tensions between the government and those demanding education reform.
