Through their Deputy Vice Chancellor Prof Isaac Mbeche, Kenya’s University of Nairobi has vowed to publish over 500 names of private students who have deliberately failed to clear their debts amounting to KShs 200 Million.
According to Prof Mbeche, in a bid to attract more students,the university allowed students to study without a fees deadline except towards the examination period. Mbeche adds that the students used this as an opportunity to avoid paying fees, something that has caused the university to suffer a heavy loss.
Mbeche based on the university loss to reveal that those who fail to pay would have their names published in newspapers together with the amount they owe the university. “If they do not respond again, we will now refer them to credit reference bureau for action,” Mbeche added.
It is said that most students who graduate at the Nairobi-based university do not come back to pick up their certificates as they avoid paying off their debts. “We had a situation where some university staff were aiding such graduates to get their certificates but the loophole was sealed. We now have an independent team that is tasked with vetting those who get their certificate in order to ensure that there is no fraud.” Mbeche said.
More details show that the University of Nairobi is running out of cash following a drop in students’ enrolment which was apparently caused by reduced government funding. This prompted the university to administer cost-cutting techniques like laying off workers and as well as stopping to hire new staff.
