Kisii University has prohibited student-parents from bringing their children into lecture halls and on campus premises, sparking a sharp debate about the realities facing a growing number of students juggling parenthood and higher education.

The directive, outlined in a memo dated December 3, 2025, from the Dean of Students, Dr. Gladys Osoro, brings a critical issue to the forefront: as more parents pursue university degrees, are Kenyan institutions equipped to support them? This move highlights the systemic challenges, from the lack of affordable childcare to inflexible academic policies, that can either stall or end a parent's educational journey.

A Campus Divided: Safety vs. Reality

The university administration argues the ban is a necessary measure to ensure a safe and conducive learning environment. In the memo, Dr. Osoro noted an increase in children on campus, raising concerns over their welfare and potential disruptions. “The classroom is a professional learning space where it is not appropriate to have children present,” the memo stated, emphasizing the need for students to remain focused during lectures.

The university's official reasons for the directive include:

• Health and Safety Risks: Concerns for the general well-being of the children in an environment not designed for them.
• Classroom Disruptions: Ensuring a productive and focused academic setting for all students.
• Maintaining Professionalism: Upholding the classroom as a formal learning space.

Security officers have been instructed to enforce the rule, permitting children on campus only when seeking treatment at the university's medical department. While the university acknowledged the difficulties of finding childcare, it maintained the policy was for the benefit of the entire student body.

A National Conversation on Support

The situation at Kisii University is not unique and taps into a wider, often overlooked, challenge in Kenya's higher education sector. Many student-parents, particularly mothers, face significant financial and social hurdles, including the high cost of childcare and societal stigma. The lack of supportive infrastructure can force students to choose between their parental duties and their academic aspirations.

However, some institutions are beginning to address this gap. Rongo University, for instance, recently launched a subsidized on-campus Child Care Center, charging parents a nominal fee of KES 50 to 100 per day. Similarly, Kenyatta University has a well-established daycare facility that serves both students and staff, providing a safe environment for children. These examples show that practical solutions are possible, transforming universities into more inclusive spaces.

As the debate continues, the directive from Kisii University forces a necessary conversation. It remains unclear if the university will explore alternative support systems, but the immediate priority, according to officials, is to ensure order and the safety of minors on its grounds. The experiences of student-parents suggest that without structures like affordable childcare and flexible policies, a university degree will remain an uphill battle for those raising the next generation.