This archive report was first published on 7 July 2019.
Published on July 7, 2019, the ministry of education's plan to merge public universities has been met with opposition from the Kenya Union of Domestic, Hotels, Educational Institutions, Hospitals and Allied Workers (KUDHEIHA).
The union's Secretary General, Albert Njeru, claims that the government's decision is a rush and not backed by any law. He instead called for a sober approach to the merger issue, prioritizing the interests of students in institutions of higher learning.
According to Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha, the sector has been highly commercialized, and if left unregulated, will distort the quality of education. Treasury Secretary Henry Rotich also stated that the more than 32 universities will have to be merged or closed down, sparking anxiety over impending job cuts.
Rotich emphasized the need for university reforms, stating that the government will review public financial and management systems, restructure ongoing projects, and implement radical measures, including the merger or closure of some universities and campuses.
