Academic and non-academic staff of universities have dismissed proposals to privatize public universities.

Kenya universities staff union secretary general Charles Mukhwaya said they are against the move and termed it as uncalled for.

“We reject the idea of privatizing public universities because this will cripple activities in our institutions,” Mukhwaya said.

Mukhwaya said the planned privatization will make education more expensive and less accessible.

“We demand that the government removes universities from the proposed privatization of state corporations,” Mukhwaya said.

Two weeks ago trade and Investment CS Moses Kuria said there is a need to privatise some universities in the country.

Kuria said he is in talks with investors to partner with universities and make them better places.

"I'm talking to international investors who are willing and ready to come and partner with our universities to privatise some of the universities. I'm not saying all," he said.

Universities academic staff union secretary general Constantine Wasonga said the plan to privatize public universities will make education a reserve for the rich.

Wasonga also faulted the government for prioritizing the plan, he said Kenyans will not afford.

“The main reason is because if you privatize university what will happen to poor Kenyans who can not afford to pay,” Wasonga said.