Before President William Ruto came to power in September 2022, his Kenya Kwanza political outfit had campaigned to uplift the downtrodden and create an equal society for all to thrive regardless of their background.
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The Kenya Kwanza team shaped the 2022 campaign with the colourful hustlers vs dynasty narrative and the famous "Bottom-Up" economic plan as the panacea to turn around the country's misgivings and make life bearable for suffering Kenyans.
Education was at the core of Kenya Kwanza's manifesto, and the president was heard loud and clear, promising to better the education system by lowering the cost, increasing HELB loans and empowering Technical and Vocational Training (TVETs) to impart learners with practical skills.
He promised to ensure all learners' access to equitable and quality free, early childhood primary and secondary education with 100% transition from each level.
But alas! Barely one year after assuming office, the president has thrown comrades under the bus, making university education more expensive and difficult to afford, especially for students from poor backgrounds.
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Parents who are already struggling to make ends meet are being forced to make difficult sacrifices, such as selling off assets like land. Families' financial security is at threat in this challenging situation, and there are questions regarding the possible long-term effects of such choices.
It is worth noting that some students need parents or guardians to pay their bills. They struggle daily to juggle between school and work to pay their fees. To double the tuition fee is to insult and disrespect their sacrifice.
This decision by the government undermines the fundamental promise of equal opportunity that was at the heart of the inaugural campaign for people without a safety net.
Additionally, the timing of this fee increase makes already tricky situations worse. It is getting harder for students to continue their education and well-being due to the rising expenses of essentials like food and shelter. Even worse, there still needs to be a solution to the problem of employment insecurity after graduation, which regrettably contributes to the alarmingly high rates of hopelessness and leaves many disappointed graduates with unclear prospects.
Recognising the government's contribution to resolving these growing issues is essential. The decision to increase university tuition costs worsens matters for students and their families. Critics contend that this runs counter to the government's obligation to improve the lives of its people and raises doubts about its dedication to the values on which it was elected.
Experts and advocates urge the government to act immediately as the general dissatisfaction increases. Reassessing the tuition charge schedule and improving financial assistance programs are suggested as feasible remedies to help students in need.
The promise of equal access to education and the future of Kenya's youth is in jeopardy. The government must remember its founding principles as it deals with this urgent situation and its duty to make a life for its people not just bearable but also prosperous and rewarding.
In addition, I implore county governments to take action and help resolve this situation. The county governments possess the capability to develop localised solutions that address the particular challenges faced by their residents. The prospective creation of scholarship and financial aid programs at the county level might provide immediate assistance to students from underprivileged backgrounds and strengthen the government's commitment to equal opportunity.
Through the encouraging collaborations between HELB, county governments, and educational institutions, we can navigate through these trying times together. The letter emphasises how important it is for the government to hear from the students and families who will be negatively affected by these actions.
Government agencies should be in charge of ensuring everyone can access education, including those struggling financially. These suggestions serve as glimmering beacons of hope, pointing toward a future where education will continue to provide upward mobility and a better lot.
The writer is Hellen Kandie, a student at KCA University.
The views expressed here are the writer's and do not in any way represent the position of TUKO.co.ke
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