A Kenyan member of parliament has publicly challenged the national assembly’s deputy speaker over claims that education is functioning in the country. Kirinyaga Woman Representative Njeri Maina criticized National Assembly Deputy Speaker Gladys Boss Shollei, pointing to ongoing university lecturer strikes and funding shortages as evidence that public higher education is not operating as claimed. Maina argued that students are losing critical learning time while staff remain on strike.
The debate comes amid growing concerns about the impact of prolonged strikes on academic progress. Public universities in Kenya have faced repeated disruptions due to disputes over salaries and resource allocation. Maina emphasized the need for accountability, suggesting that the government’s oversight role is not being fulfilled. She called for immediate action to resolve the crisis and ensure continuity of education.
This is not the first time public universities in Kenya have faced such challenges. Over the past year, multiple strikes have been organized by lecturers demanding better pay and improved working conditions. The government has repeatedly denied allegations of systemic underfunding, but critics argue that the situation remains unresolved. The current dispute highlights the ongoing tension between educational institutions and the national government over resource management and institutional support.
