‘Demonstrations should go on as planned’ – Babu Owino opposes govt plan to review new university funding model
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has opposed the government’s call to engage students and other stakeholders to review the new university funding model.
In a statement on his X account on Sunday, September 8, 2024, the legislator criticized the government’s plan, describing it as a delaying tactic meant to distract from the real issues. He urged students to proceed with the planned demonstrations against the contentious funding model.
“These are delaying tactics. Demonstrations should go on as planned. We do not need another committee to review the new funding model. We want the old funding model back. With the same energy the CS used to write this letter, he should write another one disbanding the bands. Comrades, this will only be won in the streets. A fly that doesn’t listen to advice is normally buried together with a corpse,” Babu Owino stated.
Review funding model
The remarks from the outspoken MP follow an earlier statement from the Ministry of Education, which called for an open consultative process to review the funding model launched in May 2023. According to the ministry, the new model is designed to be student-centred and equitable.
“The New Funding Model for Higher Education was launched in May 2023, with student-centred funding and equity as its core defining elements. Since then, the Ministry has been keen to engage all stakeholders, in full appreciation of the reality that such engagement is necessary for the continuous enhancement of the Model,” the Ministry’s statement read in part.
The ministry said several improvements had already been made to the model through previous consultations with students and other stakeholders. However, they acknowledged that recent concerns from students, particularly regarding the upcoming demonstrations planned for September 9, 2024, needed to be addressed.
“To allow room for this open consultative process, the university student leadership is requested to call off the demonstrations scheduled for 9th September 2024. This will allow the student community to contribute effectively to issues pertaining to their higher education, while also progressing with their studies without disruption,” the statement concluded.
The Ministry announced the formation of two working committees that will include representatives from student leadership, experts, and other relevant stakeholders. The committees will review the current implementation of the funding model and make recommendations for improvement.