Varsity task force a flop

A common government practice is the appointment of commissions to look into problems and recommend solutions. And this does not come cheap, as the members of such teams earn hefty allowances.

The task forces often investigate issues of public concern and present their recommendations. It is, therefore, shocking to hear that the commission that was appointed to review the new university funding model has yet to hand in its report.

It was appointed to review the new funding model amid threats of a nationwide strike by students. It is unbelievable that the 129-member National Working Committee on the Review of the New University Funding Model may have been wound up before completing its job.

This would be a shocking dereliction of duty by a group that was expected to help resolve a problem that poses a major threat to higher education. 

Before the team was picked, many students had opted to discontinue their studies as they were unsure of continued sponsorship.

Also, students who qualified for high-level courses that are more expensive had opted for cheaper alternatives. Denying capable students a chance to pursue the best courses for them is a betrayal by the higher education system.

The task force’s term lapsed five weeks ago. President William Ruto had tasked it with evaluating the controversial funding model following severe criticism and protests by students.

Many critics feel that the new model that sought to divide students into various categories, including the needy and less needy, has instead increased the cost of education and disadvantaged the learners from poor families. 

It is said that the team only managed to produce a draft report, but some serious challenges hampered its progress.

This is turning out to be a waste of time and resources for which those culpable must be held accountable.