DP Gachagua Addresses High Education Fees by Kenyan Students In South Africa
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua recently addressed concerns regarding the high fees imposed on Kenyan students studying in South Africa.
During his meeting with the Kenya Diaspora Association leadership in South Africa, he emphasized the challenges faced by these students due to exorbitant school fees.
He attributed these high costs to the classification of Kenyan students as foreigners in South Africa.
In his remarks at the sidelines of Cyril Ramaphosa’s inauguration, DP Gachagua pledged to address these issues by ensuring that affected students are included in the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) program.
This initiative aims to alleviate the financial burden on Kenyan students studying abroad.
“We have observed the issue of school fees for Kenyan children who face high charges simply because they are considered foreigners. We are working to integrate them into the HELB program,” expressed the Deputy President.
He further committed to expediting the resolution of this matter by engaging with the Ministry of Education and other relevant authorities.
This commitment underscores his dedication to supporting Kenyan students abroad and enhancing their educational opportunities.
Challenges Faced by Kenyans in South Africa
Apart from educational challenges, Kenyans living in South Africa encounter various other difficulties.
These include expensive airfare when flying Kenyan airlines compared to regional carriers, as well as an unfavorable environment for trade and investment.
DP Gachagua’s visit to South Africa was part of broader diplomatic efforts initiated by President William Ruto to strengthen ties between Kenya and South Africa.
Earlier agreements between the two countries aimed to foster closer trade and educational relations, exemplified by recent steps to reinstate visa-free travel between Kenya and South Africa.
This diplomatic momentum was evident during DP Gachagua’s attendance at Cyril Ramaphosa’s swearing-in ceremony, where he conveyed President Ruto’s congratulations and reiterated Kenya’s commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation with South Africa.
Historical Context and Recent Developments
The recent engagement follows President William Ruto’s meeting with President Ramaphosa at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa.
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The discussions during this meeting underscored mutual commitments to deepen ties in trade and education, setting the stage for ongoing collaboration between Kenya and South Africa.
Overall, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s proactive approach aims to address immediate challenges facing Kenyans in South Africa while laying the groundwork for long-term bilateral cooperation across various sectors.
DP Gachagua Addresses High Education Fees by Kenyan Students In South Africa
