As many Kenyans continue to grapple with the harsh economic times in the country, students in higher learning institutions, mainly from humble backgrounds, have been on the receiving end grappling with huge fees balances.
Inadequate resources have seen many students drop out of school while the majority face an uphill task in their academic journey.
However, learners at Mount Kenya University (MKU) who have been facing difficulties in settling their school fees can heave a sigh of relief after the University management announced that they will chart a way forward to ensure that the students complete their studies uninterrupted.
The University Founder and Board Chairman Prof Simon Gicharu reiterated that the current economic times are difficult and that resources for many families have drastically dwindled affecting learning for many students.
As a result, Prof Gicharu noted that most affected learners, especially those who hail from humble backgrounds, plunge into stress and end up indulging in anti-social vices including drugs and alcoholism as a consolation.
The Chairman spoke at MKU’s main campus in Thika during the University’s thanksgiving celebrations graced by musician Size 8. He was accompanied by Vice Chancellor Prof Deogratius Jaganyi, DVC Prof Peter Kirira and other university staff.
“Things are very difficult and resources have gone down. Sometimes I see that students owe the university a substantial amount of money but I tell the VC to go slow on them because we don’t want to push them out because of school fees. We are committed to support our students in all ways to ensure they excel,” the Chairman said.
He at the same time asserted that players in the education sector will keep on pushing the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) to ensure that all needy students in universities get the requisite help they require to concentrate and complete their studies.
He challenged Christian Union groups’ leaders to scout for needy cases including students who are indulging in the anti-social vices and avail them to the university management so that they can be assisted.
“Identify your colleagues who have issues because we don’t want to see them doing things that are bad due to stress. We don’t want to lose any young person. Also to our students, stop engaging in activities or behaviours that are dangerous and jeopardize your health, wellness and academics. We are ready to help,” he said.
Prof Gicharu rallied students to exploit their full potential and take full advantage of all resources and support provided by the University to enhance their academics and professional growth.
“The background you come from doesn’t matter and shouldn’t inform your future. I came from a very humble background and that did not prevent me from going up the ladder and be where I am today. Be optimistic,” Prof Gicharu averred.
Meanwhile, the Chairman revealed that the University management is making diverse investments geared towards providing students with a conducive environment for learning, research and innovation. some of the investments include a five-star hotel in Mombasa to support Hospitality students, ultra modern hostels in Thika to address housing deficit among others.
We are also spreading roots across East Africa. We already have Mount Kigali University in Rwanda and very soon we are going to open another institution in Kampala, Uganda,” Prof Gicharu said.
During the thanksgiving service, Prof Gicharu handed over music equipment to various Christian groups within the university.
