Ruto defends education reforms despite mounting institutional crises

The education sector is facing significant challenges, even as President William Ruto defends his administration's achievements, including the controversial higher education funding model.

Speaking during his State of the Nation address on Thursday, President Ruto maintained that the new funding model, introduced in 2023, aims to prioritise vulnerable students and stabilise universities on the verge of collapse.

“This model gives priority to the most vulnerable students, offering them up to 95 per cent government support while also pulling our universities back from the brink of collapse,” he said.

The model has faced opposition from critics who argue that it risks locking out needy students due to high tuition fees and implementation challenges.

The High Court suspended the model's implementation in September 2024, citing unresolved concerns about equity and accessibility.

Even worse, a presidential committee set up to review the model has yet to provide actionable recommendations, even after its deadline elapsed.

A source privy to the committee’s workings described the process as disorganised and poorly funded, noting that they haven’t reached any solutions yet.

In August, the Ministry of Education disclosed that over 12,000 first-year students had appealed for reclassification of their funding bands as they were placed in the wrong bands.

"The processing of the appeals has now started and will be concluded within three weeks from the date of each appeal. The portal will remain open until December 31, 2024, to allow for late appeals,” the ministry said.

The appeals process will factor in socioeconomic backgrounds, affirmative action policies, and family education expenses.

He indicated that to further enhance access to higher education, the government launched the Open University of Kenya paving the way for more students to achieve their academic goals.

“The institution’s first cohort of students is scheduled to graduate next week on November 29, 2024," he said.

The Head of State, however, acknowledged the ongoing struggles of universities such as Moi and Egerton, which are grappling with insolvency. He said he has ordered the immediate resolution of internal administrative issues battling Moi University.

“The remaining challenges for a few universities, like Moi University, are related to internal administrative and governance issues, which are being addressed,” he said.

Hiring of teachers

In his address, President Ruto also highlighted his administration's progress in recruiting teachers and improving education transitions. He said 56,000 teachers had been hired, with plans to recruit 20,000 more by January 2025.

However, the recruitment efforts fall short of his campaign pledge to hire 116,000 teachers within two years. With approximately 23,000 junior schools nationwide, each institution will receive only one additional teacher on average, leaving many still understaffed.

He also said they have ensured the seamless transition of learners from primary to junior school, and domiciled Grades 7, 8, and 9 in primary schools

"We have optimised the use of existing infrastructure, ensuring the safety of young learners, and protecting parents from the high costs associated with boarding schools,” he stated.

However, as the rollout of Grade 9 approaches in January 2025, parents and stakeholders have raised concerns about the lack of infrastructure to accommodate additional learners.

Further, the transition to senior school in 2026, which requires students to choose academic pathways, has exacerbated worries over preparedness in schools.

Despite these challenges, President Ruto reiterated his administration’s commitment to resolving issues within the education sector and fulfilling its promises.