Machogu Addresses University Fee Hike Reports
Education CS Ezekiel Machogu has dismissed reports that the Kenyan government has increased university school fees.
During Kabianga University’s 10th Anniversary celebrations on March 1, Machogu stated that the proposed increment from Ksh16,000 to Ksh52,000 was just a proposal made during a Vice Chancellors’ conference in Mombasa, and the government was yet to make a final decision on the matter.
He clarified that the government has not increased university fees and that the conference was an opportunity for people to give their views.
Machogu also dismissed claims that the government would reduce funding for students who scored C+ and above in the 2022 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE).
He reassured parents and students that the government would continue to fund them as it has always done.
The Education boss also addressed concerns about the privatisation of public universities, stating that the government had never contemplated it as they understand the important role that education plays in the socio-economic transformation of the country.
The CS further allayed fears about the fate of Grade Seven students who joined junior secondary schools in February. He assured the public that the government had equipped schools with teachers, equipment, learning materials, and funds to facilitate a smooth transition.
Machogu made the comments after reading President William Ruto’s speech, in which the Head of State acknowledged the financial struggles Kenyan public universities were going through and vowed to address them.
Machogu’s clarification came after reports of the government increasing tuition fees went viral, causing an uproar among lawmakers and Kenyans.
Many members of the public accused the Ruto administration of attempting to make education a preserve for the wealthy.
However, Machogu has clarified that the government has not made a final decision on the matter and that the proposals were made during a conference where people were giving their views.
In conclusion, the Kenyan government has not increased university school fees, and the proposed increment is just a proposal that the government is yet to decide on.
The government will continue to fund students who score C+ and above in the KCSE, and there are no plans to privatise public universities.
The government has also provided resources to facilitate a smooth transition for Grade Seven students who joined junior secondary schools in February.
Machogu Addresses University Fee Hike Reports
