The Government is considering opening reforms to the University funding model to capture feedback from students, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has said.
Speaking in Kilifi County during a Public Lecture at Pwani University on Scaling the Leadership Ladder: Leadership and Development, the Deputy President asked the Principal Secretary for Higher Education and Research Dr Beatrice Inyangala to engage students and other stakeholders to ensure the model fulfills its objective of access to education for all.
Gachagua said this as he announced sponsorship to 10 most needy students from Pwani University.
“If the student leaders have a contribution to make, we shall create a mechanism to listen to them. We are willing to receive more ideas to improve,” the Deputy President said.
Gachagua said the Government adopted the University Education Funding Model to increase access to education for students, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Among other issues, the model gives guidance on full, partial and loan financing based on their financial background.
PS Inyangala said students will have an opportunity to give feedback to the model so as to meet the needs of all students.
“I want to assure you that we have received good feedback. Our team will go around universities including Pwani University in collection of feedback and from other stakeholders,” she said.
She said the model has opened more opportunities for students who were disadvantaged, and a review will make this even better.
The Deputy President and the PS were responding to a question from one of the students, Amina Mohamed.
During the address, the DP asked the students to shun alcohol, drug and substance abuse to allow them concentrate on studies. He said education will enable them to grow to better leaders.
He also challenged them to remain focused in studies, take up new challenges as part of growth.
As part of his mentorship plan, DP picked one of the students to join him for his international trip to Rwanda over the weekend. This is in addition to the student of Muranga University of Technology, who will also be on the trip. The first public lecture was held in Muranga last month.
On the other hand, the Deputy President urged the students to seek help wherever they have mental challenges, especially. He said it was worrying that a number of university students are struggling with mental illnesses, with most of such cases ending in tragic deaths.
“Most of the suicide cases could have been avoided if the young people shared their problems with a friend, Imam, pastor, lecturer, or any other person who could help. I want to appeal to you, do not suffer in silence,” he said.
The DP also urged tertiary institutions to establish strong mechanisms of helping students who need mental support.
“I want to ask you to strengthen your counseling departments. Let us have psychiatrists to talk to our young people,” he said.
The Deputy President said President William Ruto and him are committed to identifying, nurturing and growing young and youthful leaders for inclusive development.
