Universities have been asked to obey court orders barring fees increment.
Justice Anthony Mrima on October 22 stopped the University of Nairobi from implementing new fees for doctors pursuing master’s degrees until all stakeholders are consulted.
Universities Principal Secretary Simon Nabukwesi said fees increment should not be the solution to the financial constraints facing the institutions.
“There should be no increase of fees and we have communicated with the universities to go down and respect the government policy in relation to fees and handling of students,” Nabukwesi said.
He spoke during the Hungary scholarships fair targeting at least 200 students.
The PS called on universities to ensure all students who have not reported to university are admitted.
“We wish that all students report where they were placed by KUCCPS so that they pursue their studies as required by the government,” he said.
A petition filed by Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union sought to stop the implementation of increased fees at UoN.
But Mrima rejected the claim by KMPDU that the fees were beyond the reach of many Kenyans.
However, he agreed with the union that there was no public participation before the university increased fees.
The court declared as unconstitutional the new funding formula adopted by universities in determining how much students pursuing certain courses were to be charged.
Mrima found that the criteria was in violation of the Constitution for lack of adequate public participation.
Students pursuing medicine were to part with Sh3.8 million for the five-year course, up from Sh2.35 million, beginning August.
For those pursuing liberal arts master’s courses like communications and MBA, the fee was increased to more than Sh600, 000 for a two-year programme.
The previous fees was an average of Sh275, 000, reflecting an increase of 118 per cent.
Hostel fees at UoN was also increased sevenfold. Students who previously paid about Sh2,700 per semester for accommodation now part with almost Sh18,690.
Edited by Henry Makori
