University student unions announce nationwide protests against soaring education costs
By Abdirahman Khalif |
"We will not be silent in the face of this injustice!" exclaimed Gitaranga Esther, a student leader from the University of Nairobi, as she joined a coalition of university student leaders in announcing their plan for nationwide protests.
"We will not be silent in the face of this injustice!" exclaimed Gitaranga Esther, a student leader from the University of Nairobi, as she joined a coalition of university student leaders in announcing their plan for nationwide protests against the skyrocketing cost of living within educational institutions. The group, comprising representatives from universities such as Kenyatta University, Moi University, and Maseno University, emphasised their commitment to mobilising students across the country.
"Our voices will not be silenced until the government addresses our concerns," stated Mugambi Kibwi, a student leader from Pwani University. "We demand an immediate review of the new financial model that threatens the future of our education."
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The university student leaders who had requested to meet top Azimio leaders, including Raila Odinga from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), urged lawmakers to stand in solidarity with the student body. "We call upon all elected officials to support us in our fight for affordable education," asserted Winnie Kamau, a student representative from Moi University.
As discussions unfolded, students from various institutions voiced their discontent with the proposed replacement of the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) with a new financial structure. "We need a fair and transparent system that supports all students," stated Timothy Omondi, a concerned student from Maseno University.
The planned Friday demonstrations received backing from Babu Owino, the Member of Parliament for Embakasi East and a vocal opposition figure. "The government's disregard for the plight of our students is unacceptable," Owino declared. "We stand in solidarity with the students in their fight for justice and transparency."
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, while expressing his support for the students' cause, criticised the Kenya administration for ignoring crucial advice. "Our students deserve better, and their concerns must be heard," Odinga emphasised. Concerns were raised about the protests' legality, with uncertainties surrounding whether the student leaders had obtained police permission for the planned demonstrations.
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