Majority of University students risk dropping out as government cuts funding
2 min read
Government-sponsored University students placed at private universities at risk as the state cuts funding
Government-sponsored University students placed at private universities at risk as the state cuts funding.
According to a report presented to the National Assembly by Tinderet Member of Parliament Julius Melly, government-sponsored students enrolled in private universities run the risk of not receiving their certificates.
In a statement on Wednesday, February 29, Melly said that thousands of students were in danger as a result of the National Government’s decision to significantly reduce funding for private universities.
Melly who serves as Education Committee chair at the National Assembly raised the concerns when his team met the Budget and Appropriations Committee (BAC) led by Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro.
“Melly emphasized the plight of continuing government-sponsored students in private universities, warning that unresolved pending bills could jeopardize these students’ receipt of certificates,” a report from the National Assembly read in part.
President William Ruto’s government discontinued the program that had been started in 2017 arguing that it had disadvantaged public universities leading them to cripple in debt.
Additionally, it was revealed that the private universities had not provided an audit on how the Ksh8.7 billion allocated for the program had been spent.
Interestingly, it was MP Julius Melly who on March 9, 2023, proposed that the program be abolished.
Government issues orders on Embarambamba and Bishop Johanna controversial content
Charity Ngilu poses tough questions to Raila over his succession in Azimio
Raila reveals his preferred candidate for LSK president position
THREE judicial officers arrested in fake court fines scheme
Karua responds to reports of Azimio members landing state jobs in Ruto-Raila deal
“We do not understand why the government would want to place students who are already poor in private universities,” he stated citing that the private universities were expensive.
“If you want to go to a private university, get your money and go there. We do not have a problem with that but the government will not fund.”
The Education Committee chair now reckons that continuing students who were already in the program are at risk as the government is not disbursing funds.
The situation is likely to be exacerbated by the proposed decision to cut budget allocation for the Ministry of Education and the Teachers Service Commission.
Melly urged Nyoro’s team to reconsider that noting it would hurt educational initiatives and services.
Also read,
Ruto legal advisor warns KRA over controversial housing levy deductions
REVEALED! How Ruto administration borrowed Ksh.223.5b in five months
Raila reveals new details of meeting with Ruto and Museveni in Uganda
Ruto support for Raila’s AU job will hand him a direct win in 2027
Government initiates plans to have private firms rival KPLC in transmission of electricity
Follow us
