New University Funding Model Promises Fairness and Enhanced Quality, Says Taita Taveta VC

Taita Taveta University’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Fred Simiyu Barasa, has offered reassurance that the institution’s new funding model will not disadvantage any student. Speaking during the orientation of over 1,100 new students, Prof. Barasa addressed concerns and clarified the benefits of the revised system, which aims to balance financial responsibility among households, government, and the university.

The new funding framework replaces the outdated Differentiated Unit Cost (DUC) model. Under the DUC system, the government covered 80% of the programme costs, leaving students and their families to cover the remaining 20%. Prof. Barasa highlighted that this approach had become unsustainable, with universities facing financial constraints that impacted the quality of education. The fees structure, set more than 35 years ago, failed to keep pace with the rising costs of modern education, prompting the need for reform.

The new model introduces a tripartite system comprising household contributions, loans, and scholarships. Prof. Barasa emphasized that this model aims to ensure universities cover the full cost of their programmes while reducing the financial burden on students. He provided specific examples to illustrate the model’s impact. For instance, the annual cost of engineering programmes at Taita Taveta University is Sh336,000. Under the new system, economically disadvantaged students (Band 1) will only pay Sh16,000 per year, with the government covering 95% of the cost—70% through scholarships and 25% through loans.

For less expensive programmes, such as those in Education, which cost Sh183,000 annually, Band 1 students will pay just Sh9,000. This structure aims to ease the financial strain on households and make higher education more accessible.

Prof. Barasa acknowledged the apprehension and misinformation surrounding the new model, emphasizing that loans have long been a standard aspect of university education. He shared his personal experience of taking a loan while studying, which he repaid over a decade. “Without that loan, I would not be here today,” he said, underscoring the crucial role of financial aid in enabling educational success.

The Vice Chancellor also pointed out that the new model is designed to be more transparent and fair compared to its predecessor. The criteria for funding are now based on students’ socioeconomic status, the cost of their programmes, and their academic needs, rather than subjective lobbying. This approach aims to ensure a more equitable distribution of financial support.

Looking ahead, Prof. Barasa expressed optimism about the positive impact of the new funding model on the university’s operations. With better financial stability, Taita Taveta University will be able to pay suppliers on time, invest in essential teaching materials, conduct field trips, and enhance the overall quality of education. Additionally, the university will be better positioned to retain and fairly compensate its staff, further improving the educational experience for students.

The Vice Chancellor urged students and parents to engage with the university’s administration to fully understand the new model. He reassured them that the shift would not lead to exorbitant fees but rather support the sustainability and quality of higher education at Taita Taveta University.

In conclusion, the new funding model represents a significant step towards addressing the financial challenges faced by universities and ensuring that higher education remains accessible and of high quality. With a focus on fairness, transparency, and sustainability, Taita Taveta University is poised to provide an enhanced educational experience for its students, fostering their holistic development and preparing them for future success.