Kalonzo Vows Nationwide Protests Over 'Unjust' University Funding

Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has launched a vigorous campaign against the recently implemented university funding model in Kenya.

Addressing a crowd in Githurai on Sunday, Musyoka criticized the new system as excessively complex and discriminatory towards lower-income families. He emphasizes the government's failure to engage with the public and educational stakeholders before introducing the model, asserting that this lack of consultation has left many unprepared and disadvantaged. Musyoka's strong opposition to the funding scheme reflects widespread concerns across various sectors regarding its transparency and inclusivity. He argues that the current administration has precipitated an educational crisis, vowing to mobilize nationwide protests against what he terms an "unjust model."

The Wiper party leader's rhetoric resonated with the crowd as he questioned the government's intentions, suggesting that the new system might be designed to make university education accessible only to the affluent. The controversy surrounding the funding model has exposed broader issues within Kenya's education system. Criticizers argue that the lack of consultation and transparency in its implementation is indicative of a larger problem in the government's approach to education policy. University administrations have expressed frustration at being excluded from the decision-making process, and there are concerns that the new model could lead to increased dropout rates among students unable to afford higher fees.

President Ruto has attempted to defend the new funding model, explaining that it aims to allocate resources more efficiently by categorizing students into different bands based on their parents' income. However, this justification has done little to alleviate the discontent among students and their families. During a town hall meeting with students, the President faced significant resistance, with many struggling to understand the formula behind the banding system.

Kalonzo Musyoka and his supporters argue that education is a fundamental right and that the new model undermines this principle by potentially limiting access to higher education for less affluent students. They are calling for a more inclusive and equitable approach to university funding that considers the diverse financial situations of Kenyan families.