Author: Hezron Rooy

Lecturers’ Strike: UASU and KUSU Fault Government for CBA Delay. Two university unions have blamed the government for delaying the implementation of the 2021/2025 collective bargaining agreement (CBA), which they argue has significantly impacted their working conditions. The University Academic Staff Union (UASU) and Kenya Universities Staff Union (KUSU) are leading the strike, which has now entered its second week. This industrial action has disrupted learning in various universities across the country. Despite a court ruling calling for a halt to the strike and a shift toward dialogue, the unions remain firm in their demands and have vowed to continue…

Thousands of First-Year University Students Risk Missing Exam Due to Unpaid Tuition Fees. Around 50,000 first-year university students risk missing their end-of-semester examinations due to unpaid tuition fees. This situation persists despite the fact that they have received financial support from the government through the higher education funding model. In response to this issue, members of Parliament, during a session held on Tuesday, September 24, directed Education Cabinet Secretary (CS) Julius Ogamba to instruct universities to allow students to sit their exams regardless of their fee payment status. The MPs requested that universities give students the opportunity to complete their…

University Funding Appeals Delayed, Education Ministry Confirms. University students raising concerns about the current funding model will need to wait longer for their appeals to be processed, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos stated. He announced that the correction of student banding, where necessary, is pending as the ministry has not yet initiated the appeals process. Delayed Appeals Process On Tuesday, Migos addressed the Parliamentary Committee on Education, explaining that the ministry has not begun addressing appeals. He explained that students were asked to submit their complaints and assured that they would not be turned away from school in the meantime.…

Education Ministry Under Fire for Challenges Affecting Learning. The Ministry of Education is facing criticism due to the frequent disruptions in learning caused by teacher strikes, student unrest, fires, and delayed funding. During a heated Senate debate, lawmakers expressed frustration at the ministry’s slow response to these issues. Recent tragedies have fueled the debate, such as the fire at Hillside Endarasha Academy two weeks ago, which claimed the lives of 21 students. Schools in Isiolo and Machakos have also reported fires, intensifying parental concerns. Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang’ highlighted his fear as a parent, saying that the thought of…

Kenyan Publishers Call for Removal of 16% VAT on Books. Kenyan publishers are calling on the government to eliminate the 16% Value Added Tax (VAT) on books, which they believe has increased the cost of reading materials, making them less accessible. Kenya Publishers Association (KPA) Chairman, Kiarie Kamau, addressing a media event on Sunday, explained that the VAT has made books more expensive and less affordable for the general public. He argued that by imposing this tax, the government is placing an unnecessary burden on readers, particularly those from lower-income households. “At 16%, this tax only serves to make books…

Audit Uncovers Sh358m Financial Irregularities at Kenya School of Law. An audit has identified several financial discrepancies related to the Kenya School of Law (KSL), particularly concerning millions spent on the construction of a library and moot court. The project, initiated in 2013, remains incomplete despite significant expenditures and extended timelines. Additional issues were raised regarding payments of damages, irregular renewal of contracts, excessive board meetings, and unsubmitted bank reconciliation statements. Delayed Project: Library and Moot Court The Kenya School of Law began construction of an ultra-modern library and moot court on June 24, 2013. The contract was awarded at…

KUPPET Push for Boarding School Ban to Curb Student Unrest. The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Narok Branch has intensified calls for the abolition of boarding schools, citing it as a viable solution to the increasing incidents of student violence. According to Branch Chair Newton Koech, this move could help reduce cases of fires and unrest, particularly prevalent during the third term. Koech expressed concerns that many fire incidents reported in schools could have been avoided if the government had heeded earlier warnings from the union. He emphasized the need for immediate action to phase out boarding schools, reiterating…

KNUT Raises Concerns Over School Capitation Fund Delays. The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) has expressed dissatisfaction with the delayed disbursement of capitation funds to both primary and secondary schools. The union claims that this delay is negatively impacting learning in public schools. Boniface Tenai, the Executive Secretary for the Tinderet/Nandi East Branch, highlighted that the delay in releasing the funds is having severe effects on students in public schools. Tenai questioned why the government continues to withhold the necessary funds, stating that the situation is disrupting school operations. According to Tenai, the delay has led to many school…

Nyamira Police Investigates Headteacher’s Suicide and Depression. In recent months, several teachers have reportedly taken their own lives, with depression being a suspected factor. Police in Manga Sub-county, Kitutu Masaba Constituency, Nyamira, are currently investigating the death of Barnabas Nyakundi, the head teacher of Mokwerero Primary School. Nyakundi is believed to have died by suicide on Friday of last week. Evidence of Depression A note allegedly written by Nyakundi indicated signs of deep despair. He expressed that he was exhausted and unable to continue fighting, implying that death would provide him with the peace he sought. “I am tired. I…

Gatundu Medical Intern Found Dead: Suicide Note and 36-Hour Shift. Police in Gatundu South, Kiambu County, are looking into the circumstances surrounding the death of Dr. Desree Moraa Obwogi, a medical intern, who allegedly died by suicide on Sunday, September 22, 2024. Dr. Moraa’s body was found hanging from the balcony of a house she shared with a friend, located just a short distance from Gatundu Level 5 Hospital, where she had been working as an intern. She had only been at the facility for four weeks after transferring from Nakuru Level 5 Hospital. On the day of her death,…