Students from the Technical University of Mombasa (TUM) joined a nationwide protest on September 9, 2024, as part of a broader campaign against the new university funding model recently introduced by the Kenyan government.
The protest, part of the “Tisa Tisa” movement, calls for significant reforms in how higher education is financed, particularly for low-income students who struggle to afford tuition under the current system.
These protests are not unique to TUM, as students from several universities across Kenya, including Kenyatta University and Mount Kenya University, are also participating.
The protests stem from frustration with the new funding model, which categorizes students based on their family income, placing many in lower assistance bands than they need.
Students demand a more equitable system, suggesting that the current model inadequately reflects the socioeconomic realities of the country.
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They are also calling for changes to loan repayment terms, including a longer grace period before repayments begin, to allow graduates to secure employment first.
Furthermore, the Means Testing Instrument (MTI), used to assess financial aid eligibility, has been widely criticized for its inaccuracies, leaving many students without sufficient funding.
At TUM, earlier protests in June 2023 had escalated into violent confrontations, with buildings being set on fire as students voiced their concerns over tuition hikes and the de-registration of students due to missing marks.
The ongoing protests reflect the growing tension between students and the government, as they push for immediate reforms to make higher education more accessible and affordable for all.
