UoN Students Plan Mega Protest Over New Funding Model and Fee Hikes
Amid growing discontent with the new university funding structure, students have begun organizing efforts to publicly voice their frustration with the policy introduced by the Kenya Kwanza administration.
In a notice dated August 16, the University of Nairobi’s Student Council announced plans to mobilize members for a demonstration on September 2, primarily protesting the hike in tuition and accommodation fees under the revised model.
“We must unite on September 2, 2024, for a major protest to ensure our concerns are heard,” declared the official statement.
The students are expressing dissatisfaction with the fee increases implemented without input from university management.
A primary demand is for reduced accommodation fees, citing the current harsh economic climate.
Students lament the steep cost of housing, despite enduring substandard living conditions. They are pushing for accommodation fees to drop from the current Ksh42,000 per semester to Ksh15,000.
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“The University of Nairobi’s accommodation charges must be significantly reduced by September,” the statement emphasized, warning that failure to comply will lead to the planned protest.
“Additionally, we must reject the exploitative new funding model imposed on us. Education is not a business to be profited from.”
This stance emerges as multiple stakeholders raise concerns over the feasibility of the new funding framework.
Meanwhile, student representatives from various universities have been summoned to the State House as the government seeks their backing on the contested policy.
The revised funding model has confused, with students opposing their placement in income brackets they believe don’t reflect their financial situation.
Under the new system, students are categorized into five groups based on their families’ financial capabilities.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos has directed all public universities to admit students unconditionally, regardless of their ability to immediately pay the required household contributions.
UoN Students Plan Mega Protest Over New Funding Model and Fee Hikes
