State should fund public universities

Kenyatta University [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

The huge percentage raise notwithstanding, the proposal to hike fees for undergraduate courses is laudable and realistic. However, to think that is the elixir to the deep-seated woes of public universities is to say the least, simplistic. These institutions have suffered years of neglect and mismanagement. And lack of funding is the elephant in the room.

Public universities are facing a serious cash crunch. This has been occasioned by a plethora of factors. The main one being, dwindling capitation from the exchequer.