Government Addresses Concerns Over Higher Education Funding Model

A growing number of students have raised concerns regarding the new Higher Education Funding model, which has led to many being placed in incorrect funding bands. The new system, designed to allocate funds based on a family’s financial need rather than the course chosen, has faced criticism for creating perceived disparities between students from different economic backgrounds.

Head of Public Service Felix Koskei has clarified that many students miss out on scholarships and loans due to inaccuracies in the information provided during their application process. According to Koskei, students who exaggerate their family’s financial status—such as claiming that a parent holds a high-ranking position like managing director—are automatically placed in Band 5. This band is reserved for families with a monthly income exceeding Ksh. 120,000, which may disqualify them from receiving the intended financial support.

Koskei emphasized the importance of providing accurate information to ensure students are categorized correctly. “If a student indicates that their parent is a managing director to elevate their status, they will be placed in Band 5, assuming a high income of Ksh. 1 million,” he explained. This misrepresentation leads to a mismatch between the financial aid a student receives and their actual needs, causing frustration among those genuinely in need of support.

The new funding model introduces five distinct bands based on a family’s monthly income, aiming to address the limitations of the previous Differentiated Unit Cost model, which was based on the student’s chosen course. The current model intends to create a more equitable distribution of funds, but the misalignment between the actual economic status of students and their funding bands has sparked significant debate.

In response to these issues, Education CS Julius Ogamba has instructed universities to admit students irrespective of their financial capacity. During a visit to Mama Ngina High School, Ogamba assured students that the model is designed to support those in need. He confirmed that the government has released funding to universities and encouraged students to leverage the available opportunities. “The new model will ensure every student receives the necessary support based on their financial need,” Ogamba stated.

Amidst the funding concerns, Ogamba also addressed a separate issue involving the teachers’ strike. He confirmed that the government had received a strike notice from teachers over the full implementation of the second phase of the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). This CBA relates to teachers’ permanent and pensionable terms, and the government is currently working to address the concerns with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC). “We are in discussions with KNUT officials to resolve these issues and avert the strike, as this is the third term,” Ogamba noted.

In a related development, Higher Education Principal Secretary Beatrice Inyangala urged students to report to their respective universities on August 26, 2024, without worrying about immediate fee payments. She assured students that university officials would assist in applying for scholarships and that any financial issues would be addressed promptly. Inyangala advised students to utilize the portal www.hef.co.ke for any concerns, promising resolution within three weeks.

The introduction of the new Higher Education Funding model aims to provide a more tailored financial support system, but it is clear that significant challenges remain in its implementation. Accurate data entry and communication between students and educational institutions are crucial for the success of this model. The government’s ongoing efforts to address these issues and provide support are essential in ensuring that all students receive the aid they need to pursue their educational goals.