Education Ministry forms committee to review controversial university funding model

The government has established a committee to review the new university funding model, which has caused concern among students, parents, and education stakeholders.

Education Cabinet Secretary Professor Julius Migos stated that the initiative aims to ensure the funding model accommodates students from various backgrounds and addresses the issues raised about the fund.

Speaking in Tharaka Nithi during the inauguration of newly appointed Chancellor Professor Emeritus Ratemo Michieka, Migos emphasized the government's commitment to improving the education sector, calling for collaboration among key stakeholders.

"In order to allow room for this open consultative process, the university student leadership is requested to call off the demonstrations. This will afford the student community the chance to contribute effectively to issues pertaining to their higher education, while also progressing with their studies without disruption," CS Ogamba said on Sunday.

University students had threatened to strike saying the model is disadvantageous and is likely to lock many out from acquiring higher education. 

The new model delinks student placement with funding, thus requiring students to submit applications to the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) and Universities Fund (UF) for loans and scholarships, respectively. 

Funding of students now combines scholarships, loans and household contributions on a graduated scale that is scientifically determined by a means-testing instrument. The means testing instrument assesses eligible applying students into 5-bands.

President William Ruto has been drumming up support for the model saying that eligible students will get between Ksh.40,000 and Ksh.60,000 in upkeep based on their financial needs.

For instance, the neediest students will be placed in band one to access a 70 per cent scholarship, 25 per cent loan, 5 per cent household contribution and Ksh.60,000 for upkeep.