Relief as new pact saves students in region from extra university charges

Students in public universities that are members of the Northern Corridor will not be subjected to extra charges in any of the countries starting January.

Students from Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda South Sudan will be treated equally.

However, those in Ethiopia, which joined the corridor in December, will have to await until after the next summit to enjoy the privileges.

All tuition-related fees are set to be harmonised by December 31 with a view of removing barriers.

Education Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang said students will not be subjected to extra charges such as higher application fees.

They will not also pay high accommodation, library, computer as well as research development fees, among others.

“Once harmonized students will receive same treatment,” Dr Kipsang said.

However, this does not include private institutions, which are not regulated by the agreement.

“These efforts are aimed at encouraging free movement of students within the region so that they can study in universities of their choice,” said Dr Kipsang who spoke in Nairobi on Tuesday.

Foreign students will be allowed to pay school fees in local currencies instead of dollars.

“We want to remove barriers that hinder development of education in the region. We want students to use identification their cards to come and study,” said the PS.