Justina Wamae Dismisses Free University Education in Kenya as Unrealistic

Former Roots Party Deputy Leader Justina Wamae has strongly opposed the idea of free university education in Kenya, describing it as an unrealistic promise under the country’s current economic conditions.

Through a statement shared on Friday, October 24, 2025, Wamae argued that the concept of offering free higher education is a political tactic used to excite voters rather than a sustainable policy. “ANYBODY PROMISING YOU FREE EDUCATION, INCLUDING UNIVERSITY EDUCATION, IS LYING!” Wamae wrote on X.

She explained that in both private and public universities, the fees paid by students are essential for institutions to operate effectively. “Our university leadership was just there since the school fees paid by my parents would speak for me. Even when I did my Master’s in a public university, the school fees paid still talked for me,” she noted, emphasizing that education quality and institutional stability depend on regular funding from tuition payments.

What Does Wamae Think About Student Leadership and Poverty?

Wamae also addressed the motivation behind student leadership, stating that many university leaders are driven by poverty rather than a genuine desire to represent their peers. “For starters, let us agree that poverty is the enemy! If you were a student leader, you would also accept those incentives from the State House,” she said.

She reflected on past governments, claiming that during President Daniel arap Moi’s era, student leaders were financially influenced by the State to weaken activism, while during Mwai Kibaki and Uhuru Kenyatta’s administrations, opposition figures and NGOs funded student movements to challenge government authority. “Sadly, during Kibaki’s time and Uhuru’s time, when it was seen that university students’ leadership was strong and would challenge lecturers’ strikes, State House was very mean and they were getting the incentives from the opposition leadership,” she added.

Why Wamae Believes Policy Is More Important Than Promises

Wamae urged Kenyans to focus on policy-driven leadership rather than politicians who make unrealistic promises. She argued that strengthening the economy should take priority, allowing parents to afford education without depending on government subsidies. “It’s time for Kenyans to pay school or university fees so that schools and universities can pay their bills, including lecturers’ salaries,” she wrote. “New thinking calls for a lean government.”

Her comments come at a time when debates around education funding continue to divide public opinion, with some leaders advocating for full government sponsorship and others, like Wamae, calling for a balance that ensures financial sustainability and accountability within institutions.

By Lucky Anyanje