Education CS Machogu defends new university funding model, says it will help the poor

Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Mochogu has strongly defended the country's new university funding model, asserting that it is designed to be the most effective solution for Kenyan students, particularly those facing disadvantages, especially from impoverished backgrounds.

Mochugu, while speaking during his visit to Kisii University on Tuesday, October 7 said that the newly introduced model is the key to rectifying disparities and creating opportunities for students from underprivileged backgrounds.

“We try to determine the level of need and once we do that using a scientifically proven method which is known as means test, we will be able to categorise those coming from poor backgrounds and they will pay almost nil, “ said the CS.

Machogu faulted the previous funding system differentiated unit cost (DUC) mode, which he termed as “flawed and unworkable."

“In this system, the government was supposed to provide 80% of funding. However, it became evident that the D.U.C model was flawed and unworkable, necessitating a comprehensive reform.

"We've had to come up with a new system and formula that can truly serve all Kenyan students, particularly those who are disadvantaged in one way or another, especially those from impoverished backgrounds," the Education CS explained.

Under the new funding model, students have been categorized into "PARTS," with each category reflecting their financial means and needs.

The Minister went ahead to illustrate using an example:

"Machogu here, if he has a child in school, he can afford to pay, even if you ask him to pay Ksh.100,000 or Ksh.200,000 per year. He can do it, just like Hinga here. This is because the government is able to provide for them every month. However, there is someone somewhere who cannot pay that amount because they're poor. This is where our means testing instrument comes into play,” he explained.

The means testing instrument, Machogu explained, is a scientifically proven method used to determine the level of need.

Through this instrument, students from disadvantaged backgrounds will be required to pay almost nil, while those slightly better off will contribute just 5% of their fees.

“For instance, if a student is undertaking a course costing Ksh 200k, they would only need to pay Ksh.10,000 per semester. Those more financially capable, like Machogu, will be expected to cover 40% of their educational expenses, amounting to Ksh.80k,” he explained further

Moreover, Machogu underlined that this financial support will come in the form of scholarships and loans, with a commitment to repay them once the students secure employment.

In the new funding model that takes effect with the admission of the 2022 KCSE candidates into university, the government will now seek to channel higher education assistance directly to individual students based on carefully curated criteria.

Those seeking financial aid from the government have been classified into four categories; the vulnerable, extremely needy, needy and less needy.

The model has however come under fire from various education stakeholders in the country who say that the government has shifted the burden to students and parents through expensive loans.

Kenyans have also complained of the sudden rise and wide gap in fees for different courses in universities, an example cited of a government-sponsored engineering course at JKUAT a year, going for Ksh.336,000.