In light of the tragic fire at Endarasha School, a coalition of university student leaders in Kenya has decided to temporarily suspend planned demonstrations against the government’s new higher education funding model. The suspension is a mark of respect for the nation as it mourns the loss of the students who perished in the devastating incident.
Rocha Madzao, the President of the University of Nairobi Student Association, led the student leaders in expressing their deep sorrow and condemnation of the Ministry of Education for failing to ensure the safety of students in schools. “It is disheartening that such tragedies continue to occur in this day and age. We stand in solidarity with Kenyans as we grieve,” Rocha stated, conveying the profound sadness felt by the student community.
While the Endarasha tragedy was the focal point of their remarks, the student leaders also voiced their discontent with the newly implemented university funding model. Rocha criticized the model for excluding many financially needy students, thus endangering their education. He clarified that although the protests have been paused out of respect for the mourning period, they will resume once the nation has had time to grieve.
“We encourage students who are being sent home due to unpaid fees to reach out to us. We will work with their respective universities to resolve this issue once the mourning period is over,” Rocha added.
Naomi Chebet, President of the Kenya Methodist University Student Association, echoed Rocha’s sentiments, urging the government to revoke the new funding model. Chebet argued that although the previous system had its flaws, it was still more practical than the current approach, which she deemed “unworkable.”
“If the previous funding model was unsustainable, this new one is simply unfeasible,” Chebet asserted. She criticized the government for disregarding the concerns raised by student leaders, despite numerous meetings with the Ministry of Education and the President. Chebet confirmed that the student protests against the new funding model would continue after the period of mourning for the Endarasha victims.
The government’s new higher education funding model, which categorizes students into four groups—vulnerable, extremely needy, needy, and less needy—has sparked significant controversy. Critics, including student leaders, argue that the model leaves out many deserving students, especially those from middle-income families who struggle to afford higher education but do not qualify for substantial government assistance.
Concerns have also been raised about the model’s implementation, with accusations of inefficiency and insufficient consultation with key stakeholders. As student leaders prepare to resume their protests, they remain firm in their demand for a more inclusive and effective funding system for all Kenyan students.
