The National Assembly Majority Leader, Hon. Kimani Ichungwah has withdrawn a contentious amendment proposal within the Statute Law.
The amendment, which aimed to amend section 56(1)(a) of the Universities Act, 2012, generated considerable debate and scrutiny within the legislative and educational spheres.
The proposed change aimed to ensure that government-sponsored students were placed in public universities and colleges, as opposed to the current university placement system, which gives KUCCPS leeway to place them in private universities and colleges.
This has limited access to university education for students from poor families, the majority of whom are government-sponsored. The arrangement was also intended to provide more opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds while also easing the burden on public universities facing funding shortages.
However, upon closer examination, concerns emerged regarding the unintended consequences of the proposed amendment. It became apparent that the amendment would still mandate the Placement Board to place government-sponsored students in private universities and colleges.
Additionally, the amendment would also see private sponsored students being placed in public universities and colleges which ideally should be for government-sponsored students. This unexpected outcome raised alarms that the proposed amendment would further inhibit enrollment of government sponsored students to public universities and colleges.
There were also apprehensions that the proposed amendment could undermine the government's broader objectives of promoting equitable access to university education, particularly for vulnerable and needy students. Critics argued that such a blanket policy could exacerbate disparities and hinder efforts to foster inclusivity within the higher education landscape.
The decision to withdraw the amendment underscores the complexity of policymaking in the realm of higher education and the need for careful consideration of all potential ramifications. It also highlights the importance of stakeholder engagement and collaboration in crafting effective and equitable education policies that serve the interests of all students and institutions.