A 19-year-old Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) student, Gedion Kiptoo, is seeking financial aid to continue his studies in Paramedic Science. Kiptoo, a first-year student, risks dropping out due to his inability to raise the required tuition fees for his second semester, which begins on Monday, 6 January 2025.
Hailing from Telanet village in Ainamoi sub-county, Kericho, Kiptoo is the firstborn in a family of three. His mother, the family’s sole breadwinner, has struggled to support his education through her work as a mobile hairdresser and tailor. Despite her efforts, the family cannot meet the required Sh13,000 semester fees.
Kiptoo was initially placed under the government’s Band Four funding category after his 2024 admission, requiring him to pay Sh41,310. However, upon appealing his placement, he was reclassified to Band Two, significantly reducing the financial burden. Yet, his mother, Mama Cynthia Chebet, laments that even this reduced amount is beyond their reach due to existing financial challenges, including unpaid school fees from Kiptoo’s previous institution.
The family’s plight is compounded by the quashing of the controversial university funding model introduced in 2023, which categorized students into five funding bands. A December 2024 court ruling declared the model unlawful for lacking legal grounding and discriminating against certain students. Under Band Two, Kiptoo qualifies for a 60% government scholarship, a 30% loan, and a 10% household contribution.
Despite numerous attempts to secure bursary support from both county and national government offices, Mama Chebet’s efforts have yielded no assistance. “I’m hopeful that God will see my son through university, even though we are struggling,” she said.
Well-wishers willing to support Kiptoo can contact him at 0720130256 or 0710 680728. His story highlights the financial struggles faced by many Kenyan students in the wake of flawed funding policies.
