On 3rd December 2020, the government announced a threefold school fee increment in universities and a reduction of the loan from the Higher Education Loans Board.
This means that parents would part with new whooping cash of 48k from Ksh 16000 and the HELB loan reduced from Ksh 45000 to Ksh 37000.
This move by the government caused a lot of uproar from the public with university students swearing to go on a rampage. It ellicited mixed reactions from members of the public some supporting it but large faction criticizing such a move amid tough economic times.
No sooner had the news gone viral all over social and mainstream media than the students especially the University of Nairobi went on a rampage, student leaders particularly University of Nairobi led by the students’ president Eddie Mwendwa went to the media to denounce it.
Amidst the controversy, Prof. George Magoha during his visit at Kapsoit Secondary School in Kericho County said that the proposal to triple fees has not been approved.
In his defense, Magoha stated that discussion over the matter is underway in parliament by the executive who will sit and talk about it before it is passed.
“The government of the Republic of Kenya does not wake up and say school fees as increased four times. I would want to assure that this is a covid period and that the executive arm of government is yet to sit and consider and debate.” Magoha stated saying that the children are ours and we are humans.
According to reports, Magoha adviced the parliament to be prudent and practice due diligence in handling the matter citing demonstrations from university students that might bring destruction of lots of property.
Magoha added that the consultation meeting may necessiate the inclusion of university students’ leaders.