Norah Musega
Uriri Member of Parliament Hon Mark Nyamita has urged the government to reconsider its decision to raise the higher education fees for the sake of Kenyans.
Speaking in his constituency over the weekend, Nyamita said that the move will block several students from accessing education.
The MP said most students from poor families have been able to access education at a fair price despite several struggles.
“The government should focus on making life bearable for its citizens by raising their living standards through education. The cost of running and managing the institutions has gone high but despite increasing the university fees, the government must absorb the increase,” said Nyamita.
“The ministry of finance is in concurrence with that of education and therefore the plan can still be amended to fit the interests of students and parents,” said Nyamita.
A section of KNUT officials from Migori County also condemned the government for its plan to increase fees for the higher learning institutions.
Led by Rongo KNUT branch Chair Samwel Omwaga they said that the Covid-19 pandemic has affected the economy as well as interfering with the livelihood of the people hence increasing fees will be subjecting Kenyans to suffering which as leaders in the country they will not sit back to see it taking place.
Speaking to Education News, Omwaga maintained that instead of increasing fees at any level of learning, government should allow free learning education for the entire year before increasing the fees later in the year as parents will be facing dire economic times due to the Covi-19 pandemic.
“The government should focus on making education accessible or free to its children rather than increasing fees especially at this moment that Covid-19 pandemic have greatly affected jobs,” added Omwaga.
He took the opportunity to show his disappointment with the idea of increasing the fees and passing it to the parents saying it will as well reduce the morale of learners in seeking education.
