The Ministry of Education (MoE) has announced the cancellation of all university fees for first-year students joining various universities in September 2024. This decision, communicated via a press statement on July 19, 2024, has left many students and their families in anticipation of new guidelines that will be issued on August 5, 2024.
Key Points of the Announcement
Dr. Beatrice Muganda Inyangala, the Principal Secretary for Higher Education and Research, clarified that the previously communicated fees, as outlined in admission letters, are now nullified. The statement emphasized that these fees will no longer be applicable. Instead, new fee structures will be announced on August 5, 2024, detailing the contributions expected from students and their families.
“The Ministry of Education wishes to inform the public, particularly parents/guardians of students, and students that the fees to be paid by students and their families/guardians as relates to the full cost of each degree programme as previously/communicated in the admission letters is hereby nullified, and does not apply anymore,” reads the statement.
The Ministry assured students that their placements in academic programs remain unchanged despite the fee adjustments. The directive specifically impacts the 2023 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) cohort, who were placed in various universities by the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS).
Background on Funding Models
Last year, the government introduced a new higher education funding model, categorizing students into four groups based on their financial needs: vulnerable, extremely needy, needy, and less needy. This model aimed to better allocate resources and support to students based on their economic backgrounds.
The recent decision to cancel the existing fee structure and the promise of a revised fee schedule reflect the government’s ongoing efforts to adapt the funding model to meet the needs of students more effectively.
What to Expect
As August 5 approaches, universities will communicate the revised fees to be paid by students. This adjustment is anticipated to clarify financial expectations for students and their families, ensuring they are adequately prepared for the academic year.
The Ministry’s move highlights its commitment to addressing financial barriers to higher education, a step welcomed by many students and parents who were concerned about the affordability of university education.
In summary, while the cancellation of current fees might cause some uncertainty, the new guidelines are expected to provide a clearer and more manageable financial plan for first-year university students.
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