University of Nairobi Student Association (UNSA) Issues 14-Day Strike Notice.
The University of Nairobi Student Association (UNSA) has announced a 14-day strike notice in response to the government’s decision to create committees tasked with reviewing educational loans under a new scheme.
The student association, led by President Rocha Madzao, has expressed strong discontent with this development, arguing that the proposed changes do not align with student needs or the nation’s educational goals.
In a recent press statement, Madzao highlighted concerns about the creation of four committees designed to address issues related to the loan scheme.
He emphasized that this move has caused uncertainty among many students, particularly those from marginalized groups such as boda boda riders, market vendors (mama mboga), and other low-income families.
These groups, who rely on affordable education, feel increasingly excluded by the government’s emphasis on infrastructure development over improving educational access.
Criticisms of Government Actions
Madzao questioned the necessity of the Loans Committees, pointing out that students have previously expressed their opposition to the idea of taking on loans.
“Why do we need a Loans Committee when we’ve been clear that we don’t want loans?” asked Madzao.
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He argued that the government should prioritize education for all citizens and criticized the allocation of billions of shillings towards infrastructure projects while students are burdened with educational loan repayments.
The student leader also criticized the government’s lack of transparency and failure to deliver on campaign promises, particularly those aimed at assisting the youth and less privileged.
UNSA is demanding the immediate dissolution of the newly established committees, particularly Bands 4 and 5, which are responsible for overseeing loan disbursements.
They argue that the existing Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) is sufficient for managing educational loans and that additional bureaucracy will only complicate and delay the process.
In addition, Madzao announced plans to pursue legal action, including submitting a petition to Parliament to halt the implementation of the current loan review model.
He criticized the government’s approach as misguided and pledged to challenge it through protests and legal channels.
Impact and Future Developments
The planned strike, scheduled to begin after the 14-day notice period, signals a significant escalation in student unrest regarding educational reforms.
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The situation places additional pressure on the ongoing debate over education reform in Kenya, with many observing how the government will address the mounting dissatisfaction among students and other stakeholders.
University of Nairobi Student Association (UNSA) Issues 14-Day Strike Notice.
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