Pressure is mounting on the government to address the growing challenges facing public universities across the country urgently.
Professionals from the South Rift warn that continued inaction could lead to the collapse of the institutions.
Dr. Kipkoech Rop of Kabianga University expressed concern that despite being well aware of the dire situation, the government has been slow to intervene.
“Despite being well aware of the dire situation, the government has been slow to intervene. This is unacceptable,” he said.
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Speaking during a stakeholders’ meeting in Bomet, he noted that the scrapping of the Module II (Parallel) programme had significantly destabilised universities, many of which heavily relied on revenue from privately sponsored students to stay afloat.
“The removal of the Parallel programme dealt a heavy blow to institutions that were already struggling financially,” said Dr Rop. “While government support is necessary, universities must also develop their income-generating strategies to survive.”
The professionals also pointed to alleged mismanagement in some universities and called for greater accountability and reforms. They urged the government to prioritise education, warning that the quality of higher learning was at risk if immediate action was not taken.
Kenyan public universities are facing a severe financial crisis characterised by rising debts, reduced government support, and internal inefficiencies, leading to potential disruptions in learning and even closures. Universities such as the University of Nairobi, Kenyatta University, and the Technical University of Kenya are heavily burdened with outstanding payments and historical debts.
By Kimutai Langat
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