In a powerful address delivered this afternoon during a funeral ceremony in Lugari, Lugari MP Nabwera Daraja Nabii declared his opposition to the newly introduced university funding model, which has sparked debate across Kenya. The event, held in honor of the late Mr. Nahashon Wambulwa Masinde, a former Secretary of the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Lugari Branch, brought together mourners, members of the teaching fraternity, and local leaders.
The MP was joined by Likuyani MP Innocent Mugabe and KNUT National Secretary General Collins Oyuu, as they paid tribute to Mwalimu Wambulwa, whose remarkable service to the education sector earned him widespread respect. In his tribute, MP Nabwera reminisced about Wambulwa as a close friend, mentor, and stalwart advocate for the local community, whose teaching legacy was unparalleled.
However, it was MP Nabwera’s passionate rejection of the new university funding model that struck a chord with many in attendance. He strongly condemned the recent changes, vowing to push for its abolition and advocate for the return of the previous model, which he argued was more equitable.
What is the New University Funding Model in Kenya?
The new university funding model introduced by the Kenyan government has been a major shift from previous systems, raising concerns among students, educators, and lawmakers. The model is designed around a needs-based approach, where students are placed into five funding bands based on their financial background and academic merit.
While the government argues that the new model ensures a fair distribution of resources, critics like MP Nabwera have raised concerns that it disproportionately burdens students from middle-class families and unfairly shifts the cost of education onto families, many of whom are already struggling.
MP Nabwera’s Call for Action
During the event, MP Nabwera emphasized that the new model risks undermining access to higher education for many students, especially those in rural and marginalized areas. He criticized the government for shifting the financial burden of education onto students and their families, arguing that the move could lead to increased dropout rates among university students unable to afford the new costs.
“The new funding model is unjust, and it is designed to exclude students from humble backgrounds. Education is a fundamental right, and it is the government’s responsibility to ensure that all Kenyan students, regardless of their financial situation, can access higher education without facing insurmountable financial obstacles,” said MP Nabwera.
He vowed to work alongside other like-minded lawmakers to advocate for the reinstatement of the previous funding model, which provided more comprehensive government scholarships and placed less financial burden on students and their families.
A Divisive National Debate
The new university funding model has sparked a national debate, with many stakeholders calling for its review. Students and their families have voiced their dissatisfaction, holding protests and demanding that the government consider their financial plight. Meanwhile, education experts argue that the model, while imperfect, attempts to balance the need for sustainability in higher education funding with the growing demand for university places.
As the debate continues, MPs like Nabwera are positioning themselves as champions for the youth and education equality. His speech at the funeral of Mr. Wambulwa Masinde is just one example of the growing resistance to the new funding framework.
