University Student Leaders Call Off Planned Nationwide Strike, Urge Government to Address their Concerns
By Shadrack Nyakoe
University student leaders have announced a temporary postponement of their planned nationwide demonstrations against the government’s new funding model.
Instead, they have given the government a one-month ultimatum to address their concerns.
Speaking at a press briefing in Nairobi on Sunday, September 8, the student leaders urged the government to engage in bilateral discussions before the controversial model is fully implemented.
“In recent months, there has been significant anxiety among university students and their parents/guardians regarding the new funding model and the categorization of students,” the student leaders stated. “Many students have been incorrectly categorized, and numerous parents are unable to afford the required household contributions, while others have been underfunded and are unable to even report to their respective universities.”
The student leaders, representing various universities, said their decision to postpone the strike was influenced by ongoing efforts by stakeholders to resolve the matter.
“While the latest proposal by the government to form an inclusive committee with student union representation to review the ongoing appeals and re-evaluate the model is a step in the right direction, it still falls short of our expectations,” the students said.
Their announcement follows recent statements by Ministry of Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba, who has announced new government initiatives to address the concerns raised about the New University Funding Model.
The CS stated that the government has agreed to form two broad-based working committees, including student leaders, to review the implementation of the model.
