University students want Parliament to review the Universities (Amendment) Act 2016, which changed leadership structures and the election process in the higher learning institutions.
In a petition served to the clerk of the National Assembly last week, students also to make university and college education free, citing article 53 and 55 of the Constitution.
The document was prepared by student leaders from Technical and Vocational Education and Training Students Association, Kenya Universities Students Organisation and the Nakuru County Students Caucus.
They say the amendment of the Act in 2016 interfered with student leaders’ elections and the process is now riddled with corruption, interference by university managers and rampant abuse of students’ rights by the university administrators.
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“For one to get an elective position, it all depends on the depth of the pocket rather than one’s capability to lead. Most administrations have taken advantage of the process to disqualify students who they feel don’t cooperate with them,” reads the petition.
On free university education, the petitioners say that under the Constitution, the State is deemed to provide quality education to citizens regardless of their backgrounds.
“The reasons why we are in full support of this move is because many students are engaged in other activities to earn a living instead of them studying, which leads to poor performance and high dropout rates,” reads the petition.
Burial expenses
The petitioners also want universities stopped from expelling comrades, saying the worst case scenario should be a suspension.
The students also want their medical expenses covered by the government as a majority cannot afford medical services.
“Most students who are government-sponsored come from very humble families that cannot afford even a meal,” states the petition.
The government has also been urged to take care of burial expenses for students who die in campus and allocate a stipend for the bereaved families.
The petition appeals to the Higher Education Loans Board (Helb) to write off student loans if a student does not get a job within three years after graduating. They also want the loans to be interest-free.
“We hope and pray that the departmental committee of the National assembly on education looks into these issues and act as soon as possible,” concludes the petition.
