Ruto Clarifies University Privatization Plans
President William Ruto has stated that the government has no immediate plans to increase the cost of higher education in public universities in Kenya, putting to rest the debate on the issue.
He has also denied claims that the government plans to privatize public universities, assuring stakeholders that the government is committed to supporting them.
President Ruto acknowledged the financial challenges faced by the university sub-sector and noted that the government is awaiting the final recommendations from the Presidential Working Party on Education Reforms to guide the process of fees and capitation for students.
The President reiterated that education plays an essential role in a country’s socio-economic and political development and emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting public universities through funding provided through capitation and the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB), which is undergoing reforms.
He also stated that the recommendations from the Presidential Party on Education Reforms, chaired by Professor Raphael Munavu, will guide the process of fees and capitation for students.
Recently, Vice Chancellors from 35 public universities recommended that fees be increased from Ksh.16,000 to Ksh.48,000 as part of ongoing education reforms.
However, this proposal has elicited a lot of backlash from various stakeholders, with students threatening to hold countrywide demonstrations. Public universities in Kenya are facing a funding crisis, with a debt of Ksh.60.6 billion and many unable to pay academic and non-academic staff or release statutory deductions to various institutions.
Calls have been made to privatize public universities and inject funds from private sector players to address the financial quagmire.
However, President Ruto has assured stakeholders that the government has no plans to privatize public universities, emphasizing the importance of public universities in the education sector.
He made these remarks during the 10-year anniversary of the University of Kabianga in Kericho County, where he was represented by Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu.
The Presidential Party on Education Reforms is expected to present the final recommendations on reforms in the country’s education system and curriculum to the President at the end of the month.
Ruto Clarifies University Privatization Plans
