Ruto Defends New University Funding Model, Babu Owino Blocked From Meeting

Ruto Defends New University Funding Model, Babu Owino Blocked From Meeting

President William Ruto has provided an explanation for the Kenya Kwanza government’s decision to replace the old higher education funding model with a new system.

During a townhall meeting held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), the President defended the move, which has faced widespread criticism across the country.

Ruto argued that the previous model failed to address societal inequalities, noting that it treated all university courses as equivalent, regardless of their differing needs and costs. This uniform approach, he claimed, was detrimental to the education system.

Upon assuming office, President Ruto found that 23 out of 40 universities were financially distressed, a situation he attributed to the flaws in the old funding model.

He pointed out that the model falsely assumed the government could cover 80% of education costs for all students, leading to severe financial strain on institutions.

The President highlighted the closure of Scot Theological College as an example of the old model’s shortcomings, citing its lack of adequate funding as the primary cause.

Vice Chancellors’ Perspectives

Ruto challenged university Vice Chancellors (VCs) at the meeting to explain to students why the government deemed it necessary to implement the new funding model. He urged them to acknowledge the weaknesses of the previous system and communicate the benefits of the change.

Prof. Daniel Mugendi Njiru, Embu University’s Vice Chancellor and Chair of the Universities Forum, supported the President’s stance. He noted that by June 17, 2023, most universities were on the brink of bankruptcy due to the old model.

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The introduction of the new model last year, he added, has since helped many institutions regain financial stability, allowing them to meet their obligations, such as timely staff payments.

The President praised the new funding model, which he described as an improvement that retains essential aspects of household contributions and student loans.

He emphasized that the new system is designed to better support children from vulnerable families, ensuring they receive the assistance they need to access higher education.

Babu Owino Blocked from Event

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino revealed that he was blocked from entering the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), where President William Ruto was meeting with university student representatives to discuss the controversial higher education funding model.

Owino responded on social media to a comment from a follower who wished to see him at the event, stating that he had attempted to attend but was denied access. He did not provide specific reasons for being blocked, but the MP has consistently voiced strong opposition to the new funding model.

Babu Owino, a former leader of the Student Organization of Nairobi University (SONU), has been a vocal critic of the new funding model, labeling it as punitive. He urged student leaders meeting with President Ruto to speak truthfully about the model, which he described as a threat to the education system.

According to Owino, the new model would make education unaffordable for many students, thus preventing them from improving their lives and contributing to the country’s development.

In his online posts, Owino highlighted that during the 1980s, the government provided grants instead of loans, making education more accessible. He questioned the rationale behind charging parents and students now, considering that university education was once free in 1987.

The new funding model has faced widespread criticism, with many arguing that it exacerbates inequality in access to education.

Student Reactions and Protests

University students across the country have expressed their dissatisfaction with the funding model, with plans to hold demonstrations urging the government to reconsider. SONU announced a protest scheduled for September 2.

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In a related development, University of Nairobi student leader Rocha Madzao was reported missing on Saturday, sparking concerns that he had been abducted due to the impending protests.

This led to demonstrations by UoN students along Uhuru Highway and Waiyaki Way, where they lit bonfires and carried placards demanding Madzao’s release.

Ruto Defends New University Funding Model, Babu Owino Blocked From Meeting

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