NAIROBI, Kenya December 31 – The Azimio coalition is set to push for a full reinstatement of fee subsidies and demand for a review of university student loans.
In a statement by National Assembly Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi, the coalition noted that harsh economic times have continued to oppress families as a result of the removal of the subsidies.
“We have noticed that the Kenya Kwanza administration loathes subsidies. Whatever they choose to call it, the Ruto administration will have to cushion Kenyans against the ravages of a melting economy,” he stated.
Wandayi blamed the government for the action saying it has led to a steep increase of basic commodity prices with Kenyans facing the brunt of the decision.
The Majority Leader decried that there exists a lot of uncertainty in the Ministry of Education on whether there will be a fee increase following the removal of the subsidy.
“The Ruto regime has removed the subsidy but insists that fees remain the same. We are going to demand the full reinstatement of the subsidy. We are going to demand a review of the university students’ loan regime to ensure it is in tune with the prevailing economic circumstances,” he said.
Secondary school parents will dig deep into their pockets to cater for school fees starting January 2023 after the government did away with a subsidy that had been introduced to secondary school fees.
Due to the compressed school calendar which was occasioned by Covid-19, the ministry reduced fees by Sh8,500.
According to a circular from the ministry, parents will have to pay Sh53,554 for national schools, as was before the reduction.
Currently, national Schools pay Sh45,054 while the Extra County and County schools pay Sh35,035.
President William Ruto administration also scrapped subsidy on petrol insisting that subsidies were unsustainable.
Ruto said subsidies had been costly and prone to abuse, including causing artificial shortages of the subsidized products.
Days after getting into office, Ruto said his government will not subsidize consumables and will instead focus on production which will lead to stabilization in prices.
The President stated that his government would not carry on with subsidization of basic commodities such as food.
