A section of University students leaders have canceled their planned demonstrations against the government’s new funding model. Instead they have given the government a one-month ultimatum to address their concerns.
Addressing a press briefing a Nairobi Hotel, on Sunday morning the student leaders urged the government to engage them Speaking at Beirut Restaurant in Nairobi on Sunday, September 8, the student leaders urged the government to engage in bilateral discussions before the controversial model is implemented.
”In the last few months, there has been anxiety across the universities and among parents/guardians as pertains the new funding model and the categorization of comrades. As you all aware, majority of comrades have been wrongly banded and most if not all parents are unable to raise the required household contributions while other comrades are not fully banded and are unable to even report to their respective universities.” Reads the statement
The student leaders, drawn from various universities, said their decision to bolt out of the strike was due to the efforts being made by various stakeholders to resolve the matter.
”Even though not yet very satisfactory, the latest proposal by the government to form an all inclusive committee with representation from the student unions into looking at the ongoing appeals and the re-evaluation of the model and come up with better remedies is worth applause.” Said the students
Their pronouncement comes moment after Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba Sunday announced fresh efforts by the government to address issues raised on the New University Funding Model. The CS said the government has agreed to form two broad-based Working Committees comprising student leaders to review the status of the implementation of the university funding model following public uproar.