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Likuyani, Kakamega County, September 8, 2024 —
Lugari Member of Parliament Nabii Daraja Nabwera has openly criticized the current university education sponsorship model, calling for a reversion to the previous system.
Speaking during a funeral in Likuyani, where he was joined by his counterpart, Hon. Innocent Mugabe, MP Nabwera expressed concerns that the new funding model will disproportionately affect students from humble backgrounds and strain universities.
“The new university funding model will make it difficult for students from less privileged backgrounds to access education, and universities will also struggle to sustain themselves,” MP Nabwera stated.
He emphasized the need for the Ministry of Education to reconsider this approach and revert to the previous system, which he believes was more equitable.
As the country prepares to usher in Grade 9 students under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), MP Nabwera highlighted a significant shortage of Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers.
He urged the Ministry of Education to prioritize the employment of 22,000 JSS teachers before January 2025 to ensure a smooth transition and adequate staffing for the growing student population.
In addition to his concerns about education, MP Nabwera criticized the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Secretary General, Collins Oyuu, for what he described as a failure to adequately represent teachers’ demands.
He expressed disappointment that the planned teachers’ strike was called off without fully addressing the grievances of KNUT members.
“We reject the new university funding model,” MP Nabwera declared, underscoring his commitment to advocating for its abolition and the reinstatement of the previous funding structure.
The event in Likuyani was a somber occasion, as mourners, including members of the teaching fraternity, gathered to bid farewell to the late Mr. Nahashon Wambulwa Masinde, former Secretary of the KNUT Lugari Branch. In his eulogy, MP Nabwera fondly remembered Mr. Wambulwa as a dear friend and brother, praising his unwavering dedication to the community through his teaching career.
The funeral was attended by a number of distinguished guests, including KNUT National Secretary General Collins Oyuu, KESSHA Chairs, and KNUT representatives. MP Nabwera’s strong stance on education and his criticisms of current policies resonated with many in attendance, particularly those concerned about the future of education in Kenya.
As the debate over university funding and teacher employment continues, MP Nabwera’s remarks are likely to further intensify discussions on these critical issues.
