President William Ruto yesterday said 23 out of 40 public universities were technically bankrupt and at risk of closure.
In his third State of the Nation Address in the National Assembly, the president said the government is doing its best to keep these institutions afloat.
“While we are pulling our universities back from the brink of collapse, the remaining challenges for a few universities like Moi University are related to internal administrative and governance issues, which are being addressed,” he said.
He mentioned the University of Nairobi, Kenyatta University, Moi University, Egerton University, Maseno University and Masinde Muliro University as among those facing severe tests.
Recognizing the financial challenges faced by universities and TVETs, Ruto highlighted the student-centred Higher Education Funding Model, which he said gives priority to the most vulnerable by offering them up to 95% government support.
He also announced that the first graduation of students from the Open University of Kenya (OUK) is scheduled for November 29, 2024, terming it a milestone in expanding access to education.
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Ruto highlighted significant steps taken to address long-standing challenges in the sector, particularly the transition to the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
In the speech before a joint sitting of both Houses of Parliament, the president said the government has notably hired 56,000 teachers and plans to recruit an additional 20,000 by January 2025. This move aims to bridge the shortage of 110,000 teachers identified in 2022.
He said the government has also midwifed the seamless transition of learners from primary to Junior Secondary (JS), and domiciled Grades 7, 8 and 9 in primary school to optimize the use of existing infrastructure, ensure the safety of young learners, and protect parents from the high costs associated with boarding schools.
The Head of State lauded Kenya as a “land of bold ambition” where citizens consistently demand the highest standards for themselves and the entire nation.
By Obegi Malack
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