Private Universities are appealing for tax waivers from the Government amid implementation of the Working Party’s education reforms.
The reforms, according to Gretsa University Chancellor Prof. Kibathi Mbugua, have led to a drastic reduction in student enrolment in private institutions following scrapping of the Government Sponsored Students (GSS) programme.
Speaking after the University’s graduation ceremony that saw 800 graduands conferred with Degrees, Diplomas and Certificates in Thika on Thursday, Prof. Kibathi said that the institutions are grappling with financial distress occasioned by the dwindling student population and taxes.
“Currently students have to apply for the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) funds for them to join private institutions unlike before when they’d be sponsored by the government. This has seen the number of students reduce drastically. We have been forced to introduce more innovative courses to market our University and attract more students,” he said.
The Chancellor said that the Government should partner with the institutions through waiving various taxes to enable them to remain afloat in business and continue bridging the gap in higher learning where the government is overwhelmed with demand.
He pointed out that private sector education providers have been expanding their institutions to effectively and conveniently handle students and therefore the government should extend tax reliefs towards building materials, approvals and other rates.
“At times we receive donor help including learning equipment but they are usually slapped with heavy taxation including hefty duties. We are serving our children by providing them with relevant education for them to become productive and transformative citizens,” Kibathi said.
At the same time, the Chancellor divulged that the University is introducing three programmes which will enhance students’ employability and enable them to be part of the solution providers to a myriad of challenges facing communities and the country.
Prof. Kibathi noted that the courses include Artificial Intelligence, Green Energy and Content Creation, which are market-driven programmes designed to give students a cutting-edge opportunity in the global job market.
“There is an insatiable demand for industrious and virtuous young professionals with the right work ethic and necessary ethos for current global challenges. We are building this workforce through the introduction of these career programmes,” he said.
By Kamau Njoroge
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