I was on the verge of losing out on education, having been born and raised in a very humble background. My mother was a casual laborer who worked in people's farms to provide for us. Her income could only ensure that we didn’t go hungry. Education was a luxury we couldn’t afford. I painfully saw my siblings struggle through school and at some point giving up and dropping out. If I hadn’t been offered a scholarship by the Equity Group Foundation and Higher Education Loan Board, my schooling would have ended abruptly and I would have never fulfilled my dream of becoming a teacher. I wouldn’t have the basic skills to write this petition which you are reading today. Being able to complete my education changed my life for the better. I want this for every Kenyan youth.

Friends, I am standing up and speaking up today because the right to affordable education is at risk. As per media reports, our government is planning to increase college fees by a whopping 225%. This means a student who is currently paying Ksh 16,000 in tuition fees will have to shell out Ksh. 52,000 per year when the proposed hike is implemented. The new proposed funding model will take away the block funding that was given to universities in form of grants and replace it with need-based funding for students.  Many deserving students who will one day make Kenya proud will be excluded, forced to drop out, and turn their backs on their degrees and career dreams. 

Given the urgency and high stakes, I have started this petition appealing to His Excellency the President of the Republic of Kenya H.E Hon William Ruto to fulfill his promise of access to affordable university education by rejecting the university funding model proposed by the education reforms committee.

Let us all unite to demand the rejection of the proposed hike. Sign this petition for more affordable university fees.