- Tinderet MP Julius Melly says the proposed legislation seeks to remove financial barriers to tertiary education.
- The proposal would have the Government meet education costs while providing students with basic-needs stipends.
- Melly has also urged school leavers to consider TVET institutions for practical, employable skills.
Tinderet MP Julius Melly is set to table a Bill in Parliament on Tuesday seeking to make higher education free for students.
The move is aimed at ensuring children from all backgrounds can access tertiary education without the burden of fees.
Melly, who chairs the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Education, said the proposed legislation would seek to ease the financial burden on families by providing students with stipends to cater for their basic needs. His position as chair of the committee is confirmed by current parliamentary records.
He said parents would only be expected to provide their children with transport and accommodation, with the Government taking responsibility for education costs.
“The move is aimed at ensuring that all children can access higher education with ease,” Melly said.
Expanding access to higher education
Speaking in his constituency, the MP lauded the Government for what he described as its commitment to improving the education sector.
He noted that the former Government under President Uhuru Kenyatta employed about 50,000 teachers over 10 years, while the current administration under President William Ruto had hired more than 100,000 teachers.
The figure of more than 100,000 teachers recruited under the current administration has also been cited by the Teachers Service Commission before the National Assembly Education Committee.
He said more than 20,000 teachers had also been employed to teach in Junior Secondary Schools (JSS), while a similar number had been recruited under permanent and pensionable (PnP) terms.
Melly underscored the importance of education in transforming the lives of young people and urged parents to ensure their children continue with their studies beyond Form Four.
He also encouraged parents to consider Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions, saying they equip students with practical skills needed in the job market.
“Parents should not be satisfied when their children only finish Form Four. They should encourage them to proceed to the next level of education,” he said.
TVET opportunities
Melly said TVET institutions offer skills in areas such as plumbing, electrical wiring and civil engineering, which he described as essential for the development of the country.
He urged parents to enrol their children in TVET institutions, particularly those who may not immediately qualify for university education.
The MP further cautioned against labelling students as failures based solely on their academic grades, saying every learner had the potential to succeed.
“No student should be dismissed as a failure because of their grades. Every student can achieve their goals if given the right opportunity and support,” he said.
Melly said the proposed Bill would be part of efforts to remove financial barriers to education and give more young people an opportunity to pursue higher learning and acquire skills that can improve their livelihoods.
READ ALSO: Former Starehe student flies 13 cyclists from Mombasa to Nairobi after 1,100km charity ride
The proposal comes as the Government and Parliament continue discussions on reforms to higher education financing. In July, Melly said the Government was working on a simplified university funding framework aimed at addressing challenges associated with the existing system.
By Kimutai Langat
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
>>> Click here to stay up-to-date with trending regional stories
>>> Click here to read more informed opinions on the country’s education landscape
>> Click here to stay ahead with the latest national news.
