Dr Kalonzo Musyoka Pledges Free Education as Students Demand Solutions to Insecurity and Unemployment
Wiper Party leader Dr Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka addresses student leaders from over 240 universities and colleges at the party headquarters in Nairobi on September 29, where they raised concerns over insecurity, unemployment and high education costs urging them to register as voters promising them free education if elected.
Nairobi, September 29, 2025– Wiper party leader Dr Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka has pledged to prioritize free education and youth empowerment if elected, urging students to rally behind his leadership as the answer to their challenges.
Speaking during a forum at Wiper Democratic Movement headquarters where over 240 student leaders gathered from public and private universities and colleges across the country, Dr Musyoka said the youth are already leaders shaping Kenya’s future.
“You are not leaders of tomorrow, you are leaders today. The courage and responsibility you have shown demonstrates your readiness to take this nation forward. This country is in your hands, and we are depending on you to liberate Kenya and bring a government that takes care of its people,” He told the students.
The Wiper leader, who served as Education Minister in the early 2000s, recalled pushing for free secondary education despite skepticism at the time. “When I said we could make secondary education free, people asked where the money would come from. Today billions are being lost in corruption scandals. That is money we can channel to educate our children and make universities decent places to live in,” Dr. Musyoka said.
He also criticized the current education funding model, which he said has locked out bright students from poor families. “Our universities are in shambles. Lecturers are striking, institutions are closing due to fee hikes, and insecurity is rampant. This government has destroyed our education financing model, and that is one of the reasons I differed with it. We must return to free and compulsory education from primary to university level,” he said.
He further condemned youth unemployment, arguing that no nation can progress with over 60 percent of its young people jobless. “Instead of creating industries, this government is bribing citizens with Sh10,000 at State House. That is abuse of office. We will prioritize industrialization, lower electricity costs, and turn graduates into job creators rather than seekers,” Dr Musyoka promised.
On national accountability, he proposed that June 25, the date linked to the Gen Z protests, be declared a public holiday. “Young Kenyans have said enough is enough. Just as we celebrate Mashujaa Day, we must honor the youth who sacrificed their lives for economic and social justice,” he stated.
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, who also addressed the gathering, challenged students to register as voters to remove incompetent leaders from office.
“The easiest and most effective way to send out leaders who play with our lives is through the ballot. Comrades must register as voters and vote out those who disrespect education,” said Owino.
He faulted the government for making education expensive despite campaign pledges to make it free. “Education is the backbone of development, yet comrades are overtaxed and underemployed. Parents sell land, livestock, and even brew illicit alcohol to educate their children, only for them to graduate into unemployment or be killed during protests,” he said.
Owino criticized the funding model, saying it has burdened students with unsustainable costs. “A graduate who earns Sh50,000 pays almost half in taxes and levies. After supporting their parents, they are left with barely Sh20,000. The government taxes youth the most yet denies them opportunities. Education must be free because the greatest beneficiary of an educated citizen is the government,” he said to chants of “comrades power!”
During the forum, students openly shared their frustrations with Dr Musyoka, demanding action on insecurity, unemployment, and rising tuition fees.
Andrew Muteti, a student leader from the Coast region, said insecurity in institutions was undermining learning. “We cannot compromise on safety. There are no police officers in our institutions. We need police posts to protect students,” he said.
Alex Mwangi, another student speaker, urged Dr Musyoka to address unemployment and high costs of education. “Our degrees are becoming worthless when graduates are forced to seek work abroad while families back home suffer. We need local opportunities and free education from nursery to university,” he said.
The students also called for recognition of a national student leaders’ union, which they said would give them a stronger voice in policy making. They presented a memorandum to Dr Musyoka outlining these concerns.
They further demanded that the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) establish voter registration desks within all universities and colleges. “Over 80 percent of young Kenyans are not registered as voters. IEBC must employ students and set up registration centers in every institution so we can shape our future through the ballot,” Ann mueni a student leader said.
Dr Musyoka welcomed the students’ input, assuring them that their grievances would form part of his agenda. He emphasized that meaningful change could only come through political action.
“You have spoken clearly about insecurity, unemployment, and the cost of education. I want you to know that I am ready to address these problems. But for that to happen, you must register and vote. If you give me your vote, I will give you free education, jobs through industrialization, and safety in your institutions. That is my commitment,” he said.
As chants of “comrades power” and “viva” echoed through the meeting, Dr Musyoka urged the students to turn their frustrations into political change.
“This government has failed you, but together we can build one that uplifts you. Register, vote, and end your problems once and for all. The time for change is now,” he posed
