The government has been asked to release capitation funds for universities to enable the institutions run without interruptions and ensure smooth operations.
Machakos Senator Agnes Kavindu said lack of funds had caused the closure of Scott Christian University in Machakos as the institution was unable to pay lecturers who went on strike three weeks ago.
Senator Kavindu, who was speaking at Kyemutheke AIC Church on Sunday during a fundraiser towards the construction of a new building, said it is the students who suffer despite having done their part by paying the requisite fees, only for the government to fail to remit capitation funds.
Kavindu, who hosted Machakos Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi, County Chief of Staff Lawrence Ngovi, and Senators Peris Tobiko (Kajiado), Edy Oketch (Migori), Godfrey Osotsi (Vihiga), and Okong’o Omogeni (Nyamira), said the closure of the university was delaying the students’ graduation.
Photos/ Stephen Muthini
“Scott Christian University has been closed due to the government’s failure to send capitation funds. Lecturers have not been paid and I have petitioned the Senate on the matter in a statement. We must be told where the government is taking the capitation funds,”she said.
The university Vice Chancellor (VC) Prof Morompi Ole Ronkei ordered the closure of the university following a lecturers’ strike due to unpaid salaries on January 30, 2024.
Mwangangi said there is need for legislators from Machakos County to come up with a law that ensures jobless graduates are absorbed in the local industries, especially in Athi River instead where companies transport workers to and from Nairobi every day.
“Every day we see workers transported in lorries to and from Nairobi to work in Mavoko while we have jobless youth here. Why can’t the area MPs address this?” he posed.
Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK) chief executive (CEO) Dr Ezekiel Mutua, who was also present, faulted the government’s move to centralize all payments of school fees and royalties to artistes through e-Citizen, saying it may pose many challenges.
By Stephen Muthini
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