Today, our attention is drawn to recent revelations of the dire financial situation plaguing our top universities, as outlined in the National Government Budget Implementation Review Report.

With pending bills skyrocketing to a staggering Ksh.62 billion and no signs of abating, it’s evident that urgent intervention is needed to salvage these vital institutions from impending collapse.

At the forefront of this financial crisis are esteemed universities such as Kenyatta University, Technical University of Kenya, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), Egerton University, and Moi University, all grappling with staggering amounts of debt ranging in the billions.

This accumulated burden has rendered these institutions unable to meet essential obligations such as tax payments, employee salaries, and remittances to pension schemes.

Despite efforts to adapt to the challenges posed by the recent Covid 19 pandemic, the financial strain has been overwhelming, leading to the closure of campuses and the inability to fulfill crucial financial commitments.

If left unaddressed, the repercussions could be severe, impacting the quality of education, research output, and ultimately, the future prospects of our nation.

It is imperative that immediate action is taken to address this crisis. A comprehensive audit must be conducted to identify the root causes of the financial woes.

Additionally, sustainable solutions must be devised to ensure their long-term viability, including exploring avenues for debt relief, enhancing revenue generation, and improving financial management practices.

For a huge majority of the Kenyan population, proper education accessed through these universities is their only route out of a cycle of poverty. For their sake, a solution has to be found and fast.

Copy by Fred Indimuli- host Morning Cafe show