A total of 104,158 students who sat the 2023 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) have received their new First-Year admission letters to various universities. This development follows the announcement by Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba, who revealed that universities were in the process of issuing admission letters to the initial batch of 125,893 students applying for loans and scholarships under the new student-centered model.
The Ministry of Education has mandated that all universities complete the distribution of these admission letters by Monday, August 19, 2024. This directive aims to ensure a smooth transition for students as they prepare to begin their university education.
Leading the pack in terms of issuing admission letters are Kenyatta University and Maseno University, with 6,532 and 6,336 letters sent out respectively. They are followed closely by Kisii University, which has issued 5,975 letters, the University of Nairobi with 5,780, and Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) with 5,568 letters.
Other institutions making significant progress include Chuka University (4,006), Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (4,990), Moi University (4,580), Kirinyaga University (3,591), and Karatina University (3,476). Additional universities such as the University of Kabianga, Egerton University, and the University of Eldoret have also played a crucial role in reaching out to their incoming students.
The extended list of universities includes those like the Co-operative University, Technical University of Kenya, Dedan Kimathi University of Technology, and many others, contributing to the overall distribution effort. Notably, institutions such as Turkana University College and Alupe University have sent out fewer letters, reflecting their smaller intake capacity.
In line with the new higher education financing model introduced by the government, students are awarded scholarships and loans based on their financial need. The model is divided into five bands, each determining the level of government support for both university and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) students.
Band One provides the most support, with the government covering 95% of university fees and 92.5% of TVET fees. Students in this band receive scholarships covering 70% of their costs and loans for 25%, with households contributing only 5%. University students in this category will also receive an upkeep allowance of Ksh60,000, while TVET students will get Ksh18,600.
Band Two offers 90% funding for university education and 88% for TVET. Students receive 60% scholarships and 30% loans, with 10% coming from household contributions. Upkeep allowances are set at Ksh55,000 for university students and Ksh17,600 for TVET students.
Band Three reduces government financing to 80% for universities and 82% for TVET. Scholarships cover 50% and loans 30%, with households paying 20%. Students in this band will receive an upkeep of Ksh50,000 in universities and Ksh15,600 in TVET.
Band Four provides 70% government funding for universities and 78% for TVET. Scholarships and loans are at 40% and 30%, respectively, with households covering the remaining 30%. University students will receive Ksh45,000, while TVET students get Ksh14,600.
Band Five offers the least support, with 60% funding for universities and 73% for TVET. Scholarships and loans are each 30%, and households contribute 40%. University students will receive an upkeep of Ksh40,000, and TVET students Ksh13,600.
This structured approach to financing is part of the government’s broader strategy to ensure quality and affordable higher education. The commitment to disbursing Ksh25.3 billion in scholarships and loans for the 2024/2025 academic year underscores the government’s dedication to supporting students’ educational journeys and addressing financial barriers to higher education.
As the deadline approaches, the effective distribution of admission letters and the implementation of the new financing model are crucial steps in facilitating a smooth transition for the incoming first-year students. The education sector looks forward to the positive impact of these measures on student access and success in higher education.
