Githunguri Member of Parliament Gathoni Wamuchomba has apologized for her outburst in the National Assembly during the questioning of Ministry of Education officials about the new university funding model on Tuesday, August 20.
In the session chaired by Speaker Moses Wetangula, MPs expressed concerns about the model’s impact on students, particularly those from marginalized areas.
Wamuchomba criticized the officials, led by PS Prof. Daniel Mugendi Njiru, stating that they failed to provide adequate information on how the new funding model will benefit students. She mentioned that the team had not provided the House with serious information regarding the model.
“Mr. Speaker, I am quite agitated because it seems like we are wasting our time. We have been here since morning trying to get clarity and serious information from people who are expected to deliver it,” she said.
“If this is the style the professor uses to disseminate information to us, what about the students who have no patience with him?” she asked.
Wamuchomba urged MPs to acknowledge that the new model is not working and to think of a strategy to help students.
She also suggested that the professor and the University Fund officials should be fired for failing in their jobs.
“We are wasting our time. I think it’s time we acknowledged that this system is a mess. We must go back to the drawing board. We are jeopardizing the lives and futures of our children. These people entrusted with disseminating information should be fired immediately because they are failing our country,” Wamuchomba said.
Also Read: Govt Sets Deadline for Universities to Send New Fees Structures for First Years
Wamuchomba Apology
However, in a statement on X, the MP apologized for her outburst during the House session. Wamuchomba said she is advocating for new university students and that she remains unconvinced that the model will benefit students from poor backgrounds.
“I am sorry for being agitated in Parliament yesterday, but I am concerned about the university freshers. After spending the whole morning from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in Kamukunji, I am still not convinced that the student-centered funding model will work for needy university students. We must be genuine for Kenya to work,” she said.
Also Read: MPs Propose New Funding Model for Universities & TVETs
MPs Concerns
During the meeting, members pointed out the challenges of communication between the Ministry, universities, and the public, leading to confusion and misinformation.
MPs demanded that the Ministry of Education streamline the implementation of the university funding model and consider consolidating funding streams to make education affordable.
They also called for the consolidation of various funding streams, including those from MCAs, MPs, Women Representatives, Governors, HELB, and the University Fund.
Speaker Wetangula directed Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba to appear once the National Assembly resumes from recess.
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