When Nelson Mandela said, “education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world”, the mantra in Kenya was that “education is the key to success.” While these statements remain true, politics has rendered education, especially university education, a dispensable affair.
With the government focusing more on political survival, where is our higher education headed? How can the government deliver amidst political instability and divisions? Kenyans thought that since President William Ruto and his deputy have the highest university degree certificates, they could get the higher education sector out of the decades-long quagmire. Instead, the situation in our universities is getting worse.
In the meantime, the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Examination results for 965,512 candidates are out, with over 246,000 students scoring C+ and above, thus securing direct entry to university. So, with the unpredictability of our universities, is the country prepared to ensure that these young Kenyans get their right to education?
Despite Dr Ruto's efforts to address challenges in the higher education sector, significant challenges remain unresolved.
The introduction of the new university funding model, with its potential to enhance financial stability, has faced various hurdles. On December 20, 2024, the High Court declared the model unconstitutional and illegal, leaving students and institutions of higher learning in limbo.
One of the primary issues is the lack of clarity and consistency in the funding. The new model, although intended to provide equitable access to education, has not been fully implemented, causing delays in the disbursement of funds.
This has led to financial strain on universities and many of them struggling to pay their staff and undertake other operations. As I write this, some public universities are issuing strike notices, and it is feared that others could follow suit.
The government's promise to settle outstanding debts within three years has not alleviated these institutions' immediate financial pressures.
Moreover, while theoretically sound, the student-centred funding approach has not translated into practical benefits for learners. Many students, who are the heart of the education system, are still unable to access the necessary loans and scholarships, leading to protests and threats of strikes.
Funding uncertainty has also affected students' ability to plan their education and future careers.
The President's call for universities to seek partnerships with the private sector and to monetise their assets is extremely grey.
While some institutions have embraced this approach, others argue that it diverts attention from the core mission of providing quality education. The emphasis on public-private partnerships and innovation parks, such as the Silicon Savannah Innovation Park, highlights the government's focus on technology and economic growth.
However, these initiatives might not address the fundamental issues of access, such as the lack of physical infrastructure and high cost of tuition in universities.
The government's efforts to improve infrastructure and equip universities with modern facilities are commendable but insufficient. For instance, the proposal to build tarmac roads within universities and provide ICT hubs with computers is a step in the right direction. But, these measures do not address the systemic issues that have plagued the higher education sector in the last few decades.
Political divisions and instability have hurt higher education more. The government's focus on political survival and addressing immediate crises has often overshadowed long-term planning and investment in higher education.
Furthermore, it seems that no coherent and consistent policy framework is in place, thus hindering progress and leaving many students and institutions in limbo.
Therefore, while Ruto has made strides in addressing higher education challenges, significant issues remain unresolved.
To stabilise and improve the higher education sector, the government must prioritise long-term planning, consistent funding, and inclusive policies that benefit all stakeholders.
Dr Ndonye is a senior lecturer at Kabarak University’s Department of Mass Communication
