Lecturers want Machogu to comment on varsities privatisation

Kenya Universities Staff Union, Universities Academic Staff Union and Kudheiha opposed the plan

In Summary
  • UASU secretary general Constantine Wasonga said Machogu has failed to comment on the raging debate that began two weeks ago.
  • Wasonga further dismissed Kuria’s statement that public universities have land lying idle.
UASU Secretary General Constantine Wasonga speaking during the launch of research findings campaign against privatisation of public universities on Tuesday, February 7,2023.
UASU Secretary General Constantine Wasonga speaking during the launch of research findings campaign against privatisation of public universities on Tuesday, February 7,2023.
Image: WINNIE WANJIKU

Public universities academic staff have faulted Education CS Ezekiel Machogu for remaining silent over the planned privatisation.

Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) secretary general Constantine Wasonga said Machogu has failed to comment on the raging debate that began two weeks ago.

 

Wasonga was speaking on Tuesday when teachers' unions from primary, secondary and universities met.

Three unions, Kenya Universities Staff Union, Universities Academic Staff Union and Kudheiha opposed the plan.

The unions launched research findings on the campaign against privatisation and commercialisation of and in education.

“Machogu must now come out and say whether he is supporting this plan because his counterpart has talked and he is just quiet,” Wasonga said.

He said Machogu should come out clearly and give his stand on the matter.

“Because if he is supporting it we will ask him for a statement. I want to assure you my colleague that we will go to Jogoo House to get a comment,” he said.

Wasonga said that the alleged 'private investors' will be hidden cartels in government.

“We know there is no investor who will come from any outside country. They are just the same cartels who have been disturbing us in the university sector,” Wasonga said.

Two weeks ago, CS Kuria said there is a need to privatise some universities in the country. Kuria said he is in talks with investors to partner with universities and make them better places.

"I'm talking to international investors who are willing and ready to come and partner with our universities to privatise some of the universities. I'm not saying all," he said.

Wasonga further dismissed Kuria’s statement that public universities have land lying idle.

WATCH: The latest videos from the Star