The government is set to unveil a revised university funding model next month, following a thorough review by a technical team. Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba confirmed that a committee appointed by President William Ruto last year is finalizing its work, with the new framework expected to take effect in September.
This review comes after the High Court annulled the university funding model introduced in May 2023, citing discrimination concerns. Since its implementation, the model has faced numerous challenges, leading to widespread public outcry from students and education stakeholders.
Ogamba noted that the government is refining the Means Testing Instrument (MTI) by expanding the variables used to assess students’ financial needs. The updated model will categorize students into five funding bands based on household income, ensuring that financial aid is distributed more equitably.
“The final report will be ready by the end of the week or early February,” Ogamba stated during an inspection tour of classrooms in Kabete Sub-County. He emphasized that the government is committed to addressing the flaws of the previous system to ensure that all deserving students receive the appropriate level of funding.
The MTI has been criticized for misplacing some disadvantaged students into higher funding bands, forcing them to pay higher fees despite their financial struggles. Some low-income households were classified alongside wealthier families, raising concerns over the accuracy of the assessment criteria.
To resolve these issues, the revised model will incorporate more detailed variables, refining the definitions used to determine income levels. This move aims to provide a more accurate assessment of students’ financial backgrounds and improve access to government-sponsored funding.
Despite its challenges, the existing funding model has functioned for the past two years. However, the new version is expected to be more inclusive and responsive to students’ needs. By aligning funding allocations with household incomes, the government hopes to create a fairer system that supports those in need while maintaining sustainability in higher education financing.
The updated framework will be implemented in September, coinciding with the admission of first-year students into universities and colleges. The government remains optimistic that the improvements will address past shortcomings and create a more equitable funding system for Kenyan students.
