The recommendations of the Education Taskforce appointed by President William Ruto have sparked a debate about the affordability of higher education in Kenya. While the proposals to ease the financial burden on universities by writing off their debts and increasing government funding of education are welcome, the suggested increase in fees for government-sponsored students has raised concerns.
Critics argue that the proposed threefold increase in fees, from Sh.16,000 to Sh.52,000 per semester, will make higher education unaffordable for many students and exacerbate inequality. They point out that the cost of living in Kenya is high, and many students struggle to make ends meet even with the current fees. Moreover, they argue that higher fees may discourage students from disadvantaged backgrounds from pursuing higher education, limiting their opportunities for upward mobility and perpetuating social inequality.
Proponents of the proposed fee increase argue that it is necessary to improve the quality of education in public universities. They argue that higher fees will enable universities to invest in infrastructure, faculty development, and research, which will ultimately benefit students. They also argue that the government cannot shoulder the entire burden of funding higher education and that students should contribute to the cost of their education.
In conclusion, the debate about the proposed fee increase for government-sponsored students highlights the complex issues surrounding the affordability and quality of higher education in Kenya. While both sides have valid arguments, it is essential to find a balance that ensures access to quality education for all students, regardless of their financial background.
