University Students Defy Their Leaders, Stage Protests Against Controversial New Funding Model

• University students protested against the new higher education funding model, defying their leaders who had called off a nationwide strike
• Demonstrations were witnessed at the University of Nairobi, Moi University, Kenyatta University, Pwani University, Technical University of Mombasa, and Mt Kenya University
• Protesters criticised their leaders for allegedly being compromised and failing to advocate effectively for their interests
• The students demanded a return to the previous differentiated unit cost (DUC) funding model, claiming the new system jeopardises their education

Didacus Malowa, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.

Nairobi - In a dramatic twist, students from at least five universities took to the streets to protest against the controversial higher education funding model, defying their leaders.

In a statement on Sunday, September 8, the student leaders called off a nationwide strike to give dialogue with the government a chance.

Demonstrations were witnessed across the country at the University of Nairobi, Moi University, Kenyatta University, Pwani University, Technical University of Mombasa, and Mt Kenya University.

The protesting students voiced their dissatisfaction with the two-year-old funding model, which has faced significant criticism.

"We've had the privilege to have a very functional model where I pay KSh 20000 a semester, but the first years and second years I don't think they can say the same to the new funding model," said Ian Bosire a student from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT).

The students accused their leaders of being compromised into calling off the strike, which would have paralysed university activities nationwide.

They accused the representatives of failing to stand up for their interests and succumbing to external pressures.

Why are university students protesting?

The irate students called for a return to the previous funding differentiated unit cost (DUC) model that has since been scrapped.

At Pwani University in Kilifi county, students took to the streets, chanting anti-government slogans and calling for a review of the funding model.

Sam Kiama, the secretary-general of the students’ union, voiced concerns that the new model might force some students to drop out of university due to misclassification and financial difficulties.

Kiama said students had been wrongly categorised under this new model, which threatened their ability to continue their education.

Explaining the new funding model

Earlier, TUKO.co.ke reported that a new higher education funding model, replacing the long-standing HELB funding model, was unveiled in 2023.

However, some stakeholders, including parents and students, don't know how it works and want more information before fully embracing it.

Under this model, higher learning institutions won't receive block funding in the form of capitation.

Instead, student funding will be through scholarships, loans, and household contributions.

Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura Guthua, journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke

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