The Kenya National Union of Teachers, Nandi branch has applauded the newly established taskforce mandated to review the New Higher Education Funding Model.
In Kapsabet, Boniface Tenai who is the Secretary for the Tinderet/Nandi East branch of KNUT, praised the appointment of the members to the taskforce, saying they were competent enough to address the contentious issues on the funding model. Tenai said that the current model is discriminatory and punitive, hence its needs a total overhaul.
Concerns Over the Funding Model
He added that one of the most important causes in education is funding, and no student should be denied funding because of their background. He said the new model has thrown students and parents into anxiety aplenty without knowing which funding band they would place them under.
He also reiterated that the task force must adhere to the views of all stakeholders in the public participation process. Tenai expressed hope that the team will develop recommendations that are inclusive and just to all.
Public Participation to Be Called
Tenai urged the taskforce to ensure the process is transparent and accessible to all the stakeholders. He stated, “Funding is a paramount issue and must be transparent. We also challenge the task force to give an opportunity to all stakeholders to give their views on what should be done.”
Presidential Taskforce
The formation of the taskforce came in the wake of a response by President William Ruto to widespread concerns raised by students and parents countrywide. Indeed, the review can be said to be timely for the New Higher Education Funding Model that many have criticized for its potentiality to exacerbate inequalities within the education system.
The taskforce review is expected to deliver reforms that will make funding for education accessible on equal terms to all students irrespective of their social backgrounds.