Rédaction Africa Links 24 with CORRESPONDENT
Published on 2024-03-22 07:57:36
The government of Kenya recently made the decision to withdraw a controversial amendment proposal included in the Statute Law (Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 2) Bill, 2023 that would have had significant implications for the country’s higher education sector. The proposed amendment aimed to alter section 56(1)(a) of the Universities Act, 2012, which sparked debates and scrutiny within both the legislative and educational communities.
The key change proposed was to ensure that government-sponsored students were placed in public universities and colleges, as opposed to the current system where these students are placed in private institutions. The rationale behind this change was to increase access to university education for students from low-income backgrounds, who are primarily government-sponsored students. The amendment also aimed to provide more opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds and alleviate the financial strain on public universities.
However, upon closer examination, concerns emerged about the unintended consequences of the proposed amendment. It was revealed that the change would still require the Placement Board to assign government-sponsored students to private universities and colleges. Additionally, privately sponsored students would be placed in public institutions, which are typically reserved for government-sponsored students. This unexpected outcome raised concerns that the proposed amendment would further limit government-sponsored student enrollment in public universities and colleges.
Critics also expressed apprehensions that the amendment could undermine the government’s efforts to promote equitable access to university education, especially for vulnerable and needy students. They argued that such a blanket policy could exacerbate disparities and hinder efforts to foster inclusivity in the higher education landscape.
In response to these concerns, the Majority Leader of the National Assembly, Kimani Ichungw’ah, along with the Ministry of Education, decided to withdraw the proposed amendment to allow for further consultations. This decision reflects a commitment to conduct a more comprehensive review of the Universities Act of 2012 to ensure that any legislative changes align with the government’s education policies and objectives.
Subsequently, the National Assembly Speaker, Moses Wetangula, granted consent for the withdrawal of the proposed amendments to the University Act of 2012. He acknowledged the request by the majority leader and affirmed the decision to withdraw the provision from the Bill.
Overall, the government’s decision to withdraw the contentious amendment proposal demonstrates a commitment to ensuring that legislative changes in the education sector align with the overarching policies and objectives of the government. It also highlights the importance of considering the potential implications and unintended consequences of proposed amendments before implementing them.
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