Education for Profit? The Ruto Government's Dangerous Gamble With Kenya's Future

Education for Profit? The Ruto Government’s Dangerous Gamble With Kenya’s Future

By Steve Biko Wafula / Published September 2, 2024 | 4:25 pm

The recent financial allocation cuts to the State Department for Higher Education and Research in Kenya signal a troubling trend in the government’s approach to education, one that could have disastrous long-term consequences for the country. With the budget allocation for the department slashed from KSh 91 billion last year to KSh 74 billion this year, and the department receiving no funds at all in the first month of the fiscal year, the government’s intentions have become increasingly suspect. These budgetary decisions raise critical questions about the commitment of the Ruto administration to supporting higher education, especially as Kenya embarks on its second year under a new Financing Model.

One of the most glaring issues here is the inconsistency between the government’s stated goals and its actions. The introduction of a new Financing Model was supposed to enhance access to higher education by providing students with more financial support. However, the reduced allocation and delayed disbursements indicate a lack of genuine commitment to this promise. If the government were truly invested in expanding access to higher education, we would expect to see increased funding to accommodate the rising number of students entering universities under this new system. Instead, the allocation has been cut, revealing the hollowness of the government’s rhetoric.

Moreover, the budgetary cuts and the government’s overall approach suggest a disturbing shift toward the privatization and commercialization of education. The reduction in funding for higher education, coupled with the delayed disbursement of funds, is likely to force universities to seek alternative sources of revenue, which could lead to higher tuition fees and other charges. This would make higher education less accessible to students from lower-income families, thereby entrenching social inequality. The narrative that education is a public good is being eroded, replaced by a market-driven ideology that treats education as a commodity to be bought and sold.

The idea of privatizing and commercializing education is not only misguided but also dangerous. Education is a fundamental right, not a privilege reserved for those who can afford it. By reducing public investment in higher education, the government is effectively placing a price tag on knowledge, limiting opportunities for thousands of young Kenyans. This is not just an economic issue but a moral one. A society that denies its young people the chance to learn, grow, and contribute to the public good is a society that has lost its way.

The reduction in funding is particularly alarming given the timing. As the second cohort of students prepares to join universities under the new Financing Model, the expectation should be for increased financial support, not less. The fact that the government is moving in the opposite direction suggests a deliberate strategy to undermine public education in favor of privatization. This is a betrayal of the trust that Kenyans placed in their leaders, and it risks setting the country back by decades.

The implications of this shift are far-reaching. Without adequate public funding, universities will struggle to maintain the quality of education they provide. Academic programs could be cut, research initiatives scaled back, and the quality of teaching compromised. This would not only harm students but also weaken the country’s ability to compete in the global knowledge economy. In a world where education is increasingly the key to economic success, Kenya cannot afford to let its universities fall behind.

The government’s approach also risks deepening social divides. As public universities become more expensive and less accessible, wealthier students will be able to afford private education, while those from poorer backgrounds will be left behind. This two-tier system would exacerbate existing inequalities and undermine social cohesion. It would also limit social mobility, as education, which should be the great equalizer, becomes a tool for entrenching privilege.

Furthermore, the lack of transparency and honesty in the government’s handling of this issue is deeply troubling. The fact that these cuts and delays are hidden in the fine print of government documents, rather than being openly discussed and debated, shows a disturbing disregard for accountability. The government’s attempts to downplay these developments and dismiss concerns as mere propaganda are an insult to the intelligence of the Kenyan people.

All Kenyans must understand what is at stake here. The future of the country depends on the education of its young people. If the government is allowed to proceed with its plans to privatize and commercialize education, the consequences will be felt for generations. The very fabric of Kenyan society is at risk as education becomes a privilege for the few rather than a right for all.

This issue should transcend political and tribal affiliations. The developments in the education sector affect every Kenyan, regardless of their background. It is in everyone’s interest to resist the government’s attempts to dismantle the public education system. The fight to preserve and strengthen public education is a fight for the future of the country.

In conclusion, the Ruto government’s actions in the education sector are not just a failure of policy; they represent a fundamental betrayal of the values that should guide the nation. By cutting funding for higher education and pushing toward privatization, the government is putting short-term financial considerations above the long-term well-being of the country. This is a dangerous gamble that Kenya cannot afford to take. It is time for the government to reverse course, restore funding for higher education, and recommit to the principle that education is a public good, essential for the nation’s future.

About Steve Biko Wafula

Steve Biko is the CEO OF Soko Directory and the founder of Hidalgo Group of Companies. Steve is currently developing his career in law, finance, entrepreneurship and digital consultancy; and has been implementing consultancy assignments for client organizations comprising of trainings besides capacity building in entrepreneurial matters.He can be reached on: +254 20 510 1124 or Email: info@sokodirectory.com

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