University students postpone protests to honor fire victims

In a show of empathy towards the victims of the Endarasha fire, the student leaders have called off the strike to allow for a period of respectful mourning. 

Despite this, they have issued a 30-day ultimatum to the government, demanding immediate action to address their concerns regarding the controversial funding model. 

They have warned of renewed demonstrations if their grievances are not addressed within the specified timeframe.

"Given the current climate and the political mobilization of groups potentially disrupting our protests, it is best to pursue dialogue and temporarily suspend our demonstrations," stated Zadock Nyakwaka, a student leader.

Kenyatta University student Claire Gathoga has criticized the funding model's banding categories, calling for a reduction to three categories to ensure equity.

 "The current categories need to be simplified to three for fairness and transparency," she said.

Kevin Marwa, a congressman from Kenyatta University, voiced concerns about high loan interest rates, noting that medical students could accumulate debts of up to Ksh 1 million by graduation.

 "The 4% interest rate is excessive, especially for students from low-income families without job guarantees," he lamented.

Adrian Oluoch from Chuka University urged for inclusive discussions, suggesting that parents and first-year students should be involved in the dialogue to either adjust or reconsider the funding model. 

"We need meaningful engagement to either revise the model or scrap it entirely," he said.

David Karani from the Elimu Bora Working Group criticized the government's approach to public participation, stating, "The engagement was insufficient before implementing this model. Our case against it is still pending in court."

In response to the concerns raised, CS Julius Ogamba has established a committee to review and address the issues related to the new funding model.