Government Urged to Fund Medical Students in Private Universities

The Government has been urged to extend scholarship opportunities to medical students enrolled in private universities. This appeal comes from Prof. Simon Gicharu, Chairman of the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) Board and Mount Kenya University (MKU) Board of Directors. His remarks were made during the handover of a newly constructed mosque and the renovated Students Centre at MKU’s Chancellor Towers grounds.

Prof. Gicharu emphasized that the limited number of universities offering medical courses necessitates an expansion of funding options for students pursuing this critical field. He argued that, given the scarcity of medical programs in public universities, students admitted to private institutions should be granted scholarships to support their education. “The students who choose to do a course in medicine, which is not available in all our universities, and are admitted to private institutions should be offered scholarships to pursue the course,” Gicharu stated.

His call for increased support highlights a pressing issue in Kenya’s education landscape. With the demand for medical professionals rising, and only a few public universities offering such programs, private institutions have stepped in to fill this gap. However, the high cost of medical education in these private universities poses a significant barrier for many students. By extending scholarships, the government could alleviate this financial strain and encourage more students to pursue medical degrees, ultimately contributing to the country’s healthcare system.

At the same event, Prof. Gicharu addressed concerns regarding the new government funding model for higher education. He asserted that, contrary to some reports, the new model has not significantly impacted the operations of private universities. This observation may offer some reassurance to stakeholders who feared that the changes could adversely affect these institutions.

In addition to advocating for increased funding, Gicharu highlighted the importance of fostering national unity among youth through various religious denominations. The construction of the mosque at MKU, which will serve over 7,000 Muslim students, is seen as a move towards demystifying religious norms and promoting cohesion among students from diverse backgrounds. “The leadership at MKU decided to build a mosque to be used by our Muslim students as a way of uniting Kenyans from different backgrounds and enhancing inter-religious understanding,” Gicharu explained.

The mosque and the renovated Students Centre are symbolic of MKU’s commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for all students. This initiative also underscores the broader objective of integrating educational institutions into the social fabric of the country, ensuring that they contribute positively to societal cohesion.

MKU Students Association Chairman Eric Ochieng echoed Gicharu’s sentiments and called on the government to revisit the University Education funding model. Ochieng highlighted the financial challenges faced by students in private institutions and urged for a review to ease the burden of fees. “We appeal to the government to review the University Education funding model to help reduce the financial strain on students, particularly those in private universities,” Ochieng stated.

The call for a revised funding approach reflects ongoing concerns about the affordability of higher education in Kenya. As private universities continue to play a crucial role in expanding access to specialized programs like medicine, addressing financial barriers through scholarships and funding adjustments becomes increasingly important.

In conclusion, the push for government-funded scholarships for medical students in private universities represents a significant step towards ensuring equitable access to medical education in Kenya. By addressing the financial challenges faced by students in private institutions and promoting inclusive educational environments, the government can contribute to a more robust and accessible higher education system.