Outline:
A Proud Celebration and a Debate on Education Costs
John Mbadi, the Treasury Cabinet Secretary of Kenya, recently celebrated a significant family milestone as his daughter, Natalie, graduated from Monash University in Melbourne, Australia. The event marked a proud moment for the politician and his wife, Roda, who were seen joyfully posing with their daughter in her graduation attire.
Natalie’s achievement sparked widespread attention, particularly due to the financial commitment her father made to ensure she received a quality education abroad. The cost of her two-year Master of Laws (LLM) programme in Labour and Employment Law was substantial, raising questions about education priorities in Kenya.
Monash University, one of the world’s top institutions, is ranked 36th and 35th globally by different ranking bodies. The full-time LLM programme takes two years to complete, while part-time students may take up to four years. According to the university’s website, the programme is designed to equip non-lawyers with legal skills and knowledge to lead more effectively and optimize their operations.
For international students, the annual fee for the LLM programme is approximately KSh 6.8 million, resulting in a total cost of around KSh 13.6 million for Natalie’s two years at Monash. This figure has led to discussions among Kenyans, with some expressing admiration for the investment in education, while others questioned the decision to send her overseas rather than to a local university.
Reactions from Kenyans
Social media platforms were flooded with reactions following Natalie’s graduation. Some Kenyans congratulated her, while others raised concerns about the allocation of resources for education in the country.
Faith Onyuka asked, “Why didn’t you send your daughter to Tom Mboya University?” Meanwhile, Munjiru Njuguna commented, “Reminds me of when he said there was no money to fund Kenyan education.” Alvynne KE added, “Now I understand why education funding was reduced.” Others, like Mtaalam Wa Mifugo, questioned how this investment helped reduce over-taxation in Kenya. Denis Nyachae noted, “What I know is that the daughter never encountered any fee problems.”
These comments reflect a broader debate about the balance between investing in foreign education and supporting local institutions.
Other High-Profile Educational Investments
In a separate story, Oga Obinna, whose real name is Steve Thompson Maghana, also made significant investments in his daughters’ education. His elder daughter, Ada, attended Parklands Baptist School in Nairobi, where the fees for the first term were set at KSh 62,500, followed by KSh 53,500 for the second term and KSh 48,500 for the third. This totals KSh 164,500 annually.
Lola, the younger daughter, had fees of KSh 60,500, KSh 51,500, and KSh 46,500 per term, bringing her annual total to KSh 158,500. Combined, Obinna spent approximately KSh 323,000 yearly on his daughters’ education, excluding additional charges.
Conclusion
The stories of John Mbadi and Oga Obinna highlight the growing trend of high-profile individuals investing heavily in their children’s education, both locally and internationally. While these investments reflect a desire to provide the best opportunities for future generations, they also raise important questions about the state of education in Kenya and the need for sustainable funding and support for local institutions. As the country continues to navigate these challenges, the balance between global and local educational opportunities remains a critical topic of discussion.