The High Court has temporarily halted the implementation of President William Ruto’s new higher education funding model, pending the outcome of a case filed by the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) and three other petitioners.
In a ruling on Thursday, Milimani High Court Justice Chacha Mwita noted that delays in submissions from the government, represented by Attorney General and Education CS Julius Ogamba, contributed to the case’s prolonged timeline.
The petitioners, including the Elimu Bora Working Group, Boaz Waruku, and the Students Caucus, argue that the funding model is discriminatory and excludes thousands of students from less privileged backgrounds from accessing higher education funding.
Filed on October 13, 2023, the petition claims that the new model breaches the rights of Kenyan learners.
The petitioners contend that while President Ruto has the authority to implement such changes, he failed to follow due process.
The funding model is structured into five bands, offering full funding to students from vulnerable households and up to 90% funding for those deemed less needy.
This announcement has sparked protests among university students nationwide, demanding the model’s repeal.Justice Mwita has scheduled the next mention of the case for December 16, 2024, to discuss further submissions.
