KANYADUDI: Urgent Reforms Needed for New Varsity Funding Model

The quality of social services in Kenya, particularly in the education sector, remains out of reach for many citizens. This has become increasingly evident with the recent challenges faced by the new university funding model introduced by President William Ruto’s administration. The model, designed under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), aimed to address deep-seated inequalities and provide equitable access to higher education. However, it is now facing significant hurdles that require immediate and decisive intervention.

The Kenya Kwanza administration’s intent to uplift the economically vulnerable through new policy frameworks initially promised a reformed approach to public service provision. This included a focus on enhancing accessibility and affordability of higher education. The new funding model was introduced to address the prohibitive costs of university education, which have been a major barrier for many Kenyans despite the reduction in basic education costs over the past two decades.

The model is student-centered, intending to allocate resources based on the cost of courses and the economic status of students’ parents. This approach is designed to ensure that the government supports those who genuinely need it, while students from more affluent backgrounds contribute towards their education costs. The University Fund Board is tasked with disbursing funds based on this means-testing instrument, which categorizes students into five bands according to their parents’ economic status.

However, the implementation of this model has encountered serious issues. Despite being in its second year, the model has already been suspended twice due to public and parliamentary outcry. The means-testing instrument, intended to ensure fair distribution of funds, has been criticized for its flawed execution. Many genuinely needy students have been placed in higher bands, receiving less support than required, while some better-off students have been incorrectly categorized as highly needy. This has led to widespread condemnation and protests from students, notably at the University of Nairobi.

Moreover, the universities themselves are struggling financially. The delayed and partial disbursement of funds by the Universities Funds Board has exacerbated the financial crisis. Universities are grappling with mounting debts, delayed salaries, and low staff morale, leading to threats of industrial action and unofficial slowdowns. This financial instability threatens to undermine the quality of education and research, putting Kenya’s universities at risk of falling behind in international rankings.

To address these challenges, the government needs to reassess and overhaul the current funding model. The old model, which relied on historical budgetary allocations, proved to be unsustainable and susceptible to manipulation. The new model, while promising, requires refinement to address its shortcomings. The means-testing process must be made more accurate and reliable, ensuring that all deserving students receive adequate support regardless of their parents’ economic status.

Additionally, the government must increase funding for modern learning and research infrastructure in public universities. Investing in technology and infrastructure is crucial for universities to remain competitive globally and to foster innovation. The current model must be re-evaluated to ensure it supports students based on their merit and needs rather than their financial background.

The urgency of revising the funding model is underscored by the potential for widespread unrest. The recent student protests highlight the critical need for a system that fairly supports all students and avoids tying their futures to their parents’ economic circumstances. Failure to address these issues promptly could lead to a larger national crisis, reminiscent of the recent Gen Z protests. Ensuring that the funding model is equitable and effective is essential for maintaining the stability of Kenya’s higher education system and supporting the country’s long-term development goals.