The debate surrounding the new university funding formula was like a raging wildfire that could not be contained.
Lawmakers, members of parliament, and concerned citizens all has different views on the matter.
As the flames grows higher, the fear that thousands of poor students would be locked out of university loomed over the country.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula has seen the anxiety that the new funding model has caused among members and has directed Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah to seek a statement on the matter.
In a bid to quell the fire, Ichung’wah emphasized that there is a need for more public awareness and public participation.
However, Nyando MP Jared Okello is not satisfied with this statement.
He believes that reverting to the old funding model through capitations is the best solution to ensure that all university students were enrolled in higher learning institutions.
The fear that less than 20 percent of university students would report to college is real, and it is a danger to the country’s intellectual future.
Gilgil MP Martha Wangari decried the new funding model, stating that it would lock out minors seeking to receive loans from the government to join the university.
The flames continues to rise as each member of parliament gave their opinion on the matter.
It is time to put out the fire, to ensure that the intellectual future of the country was not at risk.
There is a need for more public awareness, more public participation, and for the government to address the concerns of lawmakers.
It is time to ensure that no vulnerable child is denied access to education due to financial constraints.
The fire has to be contained, and a solution has to be found. The future of the country depended on it.
by: Mascherano