Matiang’i, varsity devastate parents with secret weapon

Education Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i 

Martin Waswa from Bungoma County watched his TV with interest during the graduation ceremony at Dedan Kimathi University of Technology (DEKUT) last Friday. He had a reason to as his son has been admitted to the university.

He says the ceremony was interesting but, sadly, Education Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i took the sheen off it with his speech. Dr Matiang’i’s crime, Mr Waswa says, was to confirm what he had heard a day before; that first years would report to university on May 11, 2017, much earlier than expected this year.

While many people may consider this good news, the announcement left Waswa traumatised.

“Why was Matiang’i and the university this secretive about opening dates?” he asks. He says the secret is a big blow to poor parents like himself.

“Considering that we are in second term when the same parents have to pay fees for children in secondary schools, the university should have postponed the reporting date for the first years by at least one month to enable us look for the fees,” says the father.

The first-year students, he explains, are required to pay Sh17,000 to the university, pay for accommodation, food and even transport to Nyeri. “How can parents be notified of the admission and be expected to take their children to the university in ten days?

His prayer: “Matiang’i, you have been known for very good things... give us some time to look for funds.” Will you, Dr Matiang’i and DEKUT?