Student Leaders Call Off Monday Demos Over New Funding Model, Set New Ultimatum
In a surprising turn of events, university student leaders have called off the highly anticipated Monday demonstrations against the government’s proposed new funding model for higher education.
The student leaders, representing various universities across the country, have instead opted to give the government a one-month ultimatum to address their pressing concerns.
The announcement was made during a press conference held at Beirut Restaurant in Nairobi on Sunday, September 8, where the student leaders urged the government to engage in meaningful discussions before implementing the controversial funding model.
The leaders emphasized the importance of dialogue, stating that the future of higher education in the country hinges on resolving the current funding crisis.
“For months now, comrades and their families have been under immense stress due to the categorization of students under the new funding model,” lamented one of the student leaders. “Many of our fellow students have been wrongly classified, and most parents are unable to meet the required household contributions. Some students cannot even report to their respective universities due to lack of proper classification.”
The anxiety surrounding the new funding structure has been palpable, with students and their families expressing frustration over the perceived unfairness of the categorization process. The student leaders acknowledged the efforts made by various stakeholders to resolve the issue but expressed dissatisfaction with the current progress.
In a move that highlights their commitment to finding a solution, the student leaders welcomed the government’s recent proposal to form an inclusive committee involving student unions. This committee is expected to re-evaluate the funding model and consider the numerous appeals already raised by students and parents alike.
“While we appreciate the government’s goodwill and the proposal to form a committee with representation from the student unions, we urge that this process be expedited,” the leaders emphasized. “We need immediate, short-term remedies while a commitment is made for a long-term solution to the funding crisis.”
The student leaders also raised concerns about the exorbitant cost of hostel accommodations and the strict fee deadlines imposed by university administrations. They called for these issues to be addressed as part of the broader dialogue with the government.
Despite their decision to call off the demonstrations, the student leaders made it clear that they are not ruling out further action if their concerns are not adequately addressed. “Street demonstrations are not the best option right now, but if our concerns are not met, we will have no choice but to take further action. We see light at the end of the tunnel, but it is in everyone’s best interest to fix this now.”
The decision to suspend the “tisa tisa” demonstrations was also influenced by concerns over the potential infiltration of the protests by political groups. The student leaders urged their fellow students to remain calm and committed to the negotiation process, expressing hope that a solution beneficial to all parties would be achieved.
In Other News: Government Takes Action On University Funding Model After Students Announce Countrywide Protests
Student Leaders Call Off Monday Demos Over New Funding Model, Set New Ultimatum
