EDITORIAL: Harmonised varsity fees will boost regional integration

After Rwanda, Kenya has become the second country in the region to implement the policy on harmonisation of tuition fees in all public universities effective this month. Students from Rwanda, Uganda and South Sudan will be accorded the same treatment as Kenyans. Among others, international students will see their library, computer, and research development and accommodation fees reduced. Rwanda was the first country to implement this policy in 2012. In August last year, Uganda followed suit with government ordering all six public universities to harmonise tuition for Ugandans and students from East African countries of Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi, but the directive is yet to be implemented. The move by Kenya is a huge step forward in the East African Community regional integration process. The member countries are already in advanced stages to harmonize the general education curriculum at all levels of education. This step will help accelerate the education curriculum integration in the region. Students will find it convenient to study in any higher institution in the region without worry of paying more fees because they are foreigners. Other EAC member countries should take a leaf and move fast to implement the same policy. This is another milestone in facilitating free movement of students within the region so that they can study in universities of their choice at an affordable cost. We should not have any barriers that hinder development of education in the region. However, this policy should not only stop at public universities, perhaps private universities should also review their fees policies in line with facilitating ease of accessing education in the region.

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EDITORIAL: Harmonised varsity fees will boost regional integration