NARC-Kenya leader Martha Karua has criticized the newly introduced university funding model, saying it hinders Kenyan students’ access to their right to education.

Speaking to the media on Thursday, August 22, 2024, Karua described the funding model as a betrayal to Kenyan students, arguing that it places an undue burden on them and their families.

“The right to education is being sacrificed at the altar of crony capitalism. It’s deliberately designed to erode access to education. It shifts the burden of education from the state to the backs of students and their families who can’t afford it,” Karua stated.

She stressed that implementing the model without proper public involvement would not only violate the Constitution but also be discriminatory.

If implemented without meaningful public participation will not only be unconstitutional but also discriminatory,” she added.

Karua called for the rejection of the new funding model, urging Kenyans to oppose what she termed as an oppressive system placed on the shoulders of students and their families.

“We must now reject this new oppressive university funding model placed on the shoulders of our students and their families,” she asserted.

No to new funding model

Earlier, Embakasi East Member of Parliament, Babu Owino opposed the funding model, urging students to protest against it.

In a statement on his X account on Thursday, August 22, 2024, the lawmaker said that it is preventing underprivileged students from access to education.

“Students should demonstrate against the new university funding model that is denying needy students access to education,” Babu stated.

Babu’s remarks came in response to Chief Justice Martha Koome’s criticism of the funding model.

Koome had earlier noted the challenges faced by students who, despite meeting the qualifications for university admission, are unable to afford the fees.

She pointed out that while taxpayer money is being allocated to various government officials for bursaries, many deserving students are left struggling.

“I stopped watching the news because of these depressing items that keep reminding us of how unequal we are as a society. A child who has qualified to go to university can be there crying because they cannot afford to join university,” Koome stated.

“Why won’t you put that money into education and make it free for all?” she said challenging the government.