NAIROBI, Kenya – Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has announced plans to lead nationwide protests against the recently unveiled university funding model, spearheaded by President William Ruto.
Kalonzo argues that the new model threatens to marginalize underprivileged Kenyans by restricting their access to higher education.
“This administration is out of touch with the realities faced by ordinary Kenyans,” Kalonzo declared.
“We will mobilize the country to reject a system that reserves university education for the rich while sidelining the poor. The underprivileged will rise and demand their rightful place.”
The university funding model, introduced on May 3, 2024, has been applauded by President Ruto as a tool to ensure equal opportunities in the education sector.
However, it has faced strong opposition from various quarters, including parents, students, and political leaders who claim it exacerbates inequality.
According to critics, the new framework promotes elitism by creating barriers for students from low-income backgrounds.
Echoing Kalonzo’s sentiments, Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa pledged to seek justice for university students affected by the changes.
He stressed that education should remain a fundamental right accessible to all, regardless of socioeconomic status.
The contentious funding model replaces the Differentiated Unit Cost (DUC) system previously used to finance universities.
Under the new framework, students are categorized into five financial bands, determining the level of government support they receive.
President Ruto insists that the revised model aims to enhance the quality and accessibility of higher education by providing equitable support based on students’ financial needs.
“The banding system isn’t new. We have simply added one more category to make it more inclusive,” Ruto defended.
He acknowledged that there have been issues with the initial implementation, noting that 26,000 out of the 134,000 students who applied for funding have appealed their band placements.
The President assured those affected that appeals would be reviewed and resolved within two weeks, ensuring that all students receive fair treatment.
