Reprieve for UON Students as Court Issues Directive on Fees

University of Nairobi
University of Nairobi
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The High Court halted the move by the University of Nairobi to increase tuition fees through a judgmennt delivered on Thursday, October 21.

This was after the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentist's Union filed a petition on Monday, June 28, 2021 challenging the university's decision to hike fees.

Justice Anthony Mrima in his verdict stated the institution's attempt to increase fees was unconstitutional hence declaring it null and void.

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UoN graduates celebrate during the 57th Graduation Ceremony held at the institution's grounds on September 22, 2017.
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UoN

According to the judge, the University was in violation of Article 10(2)(a) and Article 201(a) of the constitution that advocated for public participation in financial matters.

The ruling further established that the criteria used by the University to increase the fees through the Handbook of Fees Payment(Policy, Schedules, Guidelines & Procedures) was constitutionally infirm.

The handbook is the institution's official publication that consolidates all important information regarding fees, and the legislative and regulatory frameworks that anchor the management of fees.

"For clarity, the 1st respondent shall continue to charge its applicable fees based on the criterion which was in place before the impugned Handbook of Fees Payment(Policy, Schedules, Guidelines & Procedures)," the ruling read.

This directive was well received by UoN students who for months had been on the short end of the stick, as the University had announced a 100% increment of fees for postgraduate and parallel students.

The students initially used to pay Ksh275,000 which was doubled to Ksh600,000.

UoN's administration had hoped to use the fee increment to boost their dwindling fortunes owing to a dip in enrolment.

In June 2018, UoN recorded a Ksh1.4 billion loss affecting the running of key operations in the University.

The move to increase fees was to be effected in August when the new lot of students were to be enrolled in the institution.

The University Vice-Chancellor, Kiama, defended the move stating that the high pending bill forms are part of the reasons why the university is carrying out financial, curriculum, and structural reforms to mitigate the crisis.

Vice Chancellor Stephen Gitahi speaking during UoN's 64th graduation ceremony on December 11, 2020
Vice Chancellor Stephen Gitahi speaking during UoN's 64th graduation ceremony on December 11, 2020
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