Scott Christian University, Kenya, in a move aimed at addressing the challenges faced by students in Kenya’s higher education sector, President William Ruto has called upon all universities in the country to allow students with outstanding fee arrears to sit for their end-of-year examinations. This appeal came during a graduation ceremony at Scott Christian University, where the President emphasized the need for patience and understanding among university Vice-Chancellors as the nation navigates through the transition to a student-centered higher education financing model.
The President’s call for inclusivity is a response to the financial hurdles that many students face, particularly in light of the recent shift in how higher education is funded in Kenya. Under the new student-centered funding model, which was introduced to alleviate the financial burden on the government while promoting efficiency and accountability, many students have found themselves unable to meet the payment deadlines due to delays in the disbursement of scholarships and other forms of financial aid. This has led to a situation where students, despite having a genuine interest in their studies, are at risk of being excluded from examinations because they are unable to clear their fee balances.
President Ruto, during his address, underscored the importance of understanding the broader context of these financial challenges. “As we navigate the changes brought about by the transition to the student-centered Higher Education Financing Model, I urge universities to exercise patience and understanding with students,” he stated. “This spirit of humane consideration is especially critical given the additional challenge posed by litigation, which could disrupt the implementation of the model.”
The President’s message was clear: no student should be denied the opportunity to sit for exams solely based on their financial background. He stressed that education is a fundamental right and should not be compromised by financial limitations. “We must ensure that every student is given a fair chance to learn and succeed,” Ruto emphasized, “regardless of their ability to pay.”
The call for inclusive policies in higher education comes at a time when many public universities in Kenya are grappling with significant financial difficulties. According to recent reports, public universities had accumulated debts exceeding Sh60 billion by 2022, with 23 out of 40 being technically bankrupt and at risk of closure. These financial challenges have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted not only the learning environment but also the revenue streams that universities rely on, such as student fees and international partnerships.
In response to these financial difficulties, the government has committed to resolving the crisis by providing robust support for both public and private universities. President Ruto noted that his administration is working on solutions to address the immediate challenges faced by institutions as they transition from the old funding model to the new one. “It is for this reason that we have been deliberate in our efforts to resolve the financial crisis that brought our public universities to their knees,” he said. “By providing reliable support, we aim to ensure that higher education continues to thrive and remains accessible to all Kenyans.”
The President also acknowledged the complexities surrounding the disbursement of scholarship funds, which has been a major bottleneck in allowing students to meet their financial obligations. He highlighted the role of litigation in complicating the transition to the new funding model, noting that legal challenges have delayed the full resumption of financial disbursements. However, Ruto assured the audience that the government is working closely with relevant stakeholders to expedite the resolution of these issues.
In his closing remarks, President Ruto emphasized that inclusivity and equal opportunity in education are non-negotiable. “We must not let financial constraints limit the potential of our students,” he concluded. “By allowing all students to sit for their exams, regardless of their fee status, we demonstrate our commitment to a fair and just society where education is a vehicle for success for everyone.”
As the higher education sector in Kenya continues to evolve, the government’s support and the commitment of university administrators to the principles of inclusivity will be critical in ensuring that all students, regardless of their financial background, have access to quality education. President Ruto’s call for understanding and patience among university Vice-Chancellors is a timely reminder of the importance of putting students first in the country’s educational landscape.
