The Kenyan government has unveiled a new university funding model designed to alleviate the financial burden on students and their families while ensuring equitable access to higher education. This model, as explained by Higher Education Principal Secretary Beatrice Inyangala, classifies students into five distinct bands based on their family’s income levels. The funding model has been the subject of considerable debate among Kenyans, with many expressing concerns and seeking clarification on how it will affect their ability to finance higher education.
The first and most critical band, Band One, targets the most vulnerable students, whose family income does not exceed Sh5,995 per month. These students are considered the most needy and will receive the highest level of government support. Under this category, the government will cover 70 percent of the tuition fees through a scholarship, while an additional 25 percent will be provided as a loan. This means that the total government support for students in Band One will be 95 percent, leaving the families to contribute a mere 5 percent of the fees. Furthermore, students in this band will receive an upkeep loan of Sh60,000 from the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) to help cover their living expenses while studying.
Band Two encompasses families whose income is above Sh5,995 but does not surpass Sh23,670. For students in this category, the government will provide 60 percent of the tuition fees as a scholarship and an additional 30 percent as a loan. This leaves the families with the responsibility of covering the remaining 10 percent of the fees. In addition to this financial support, students in Band Two will receive an upkeep loan of Sh55,000 from HELB.
Band Three includes students from families with an income above Sh23,670 but not exceeding Sh70,000. These students will receive 50 percent of their tuition fees as a government scholarship, while 30 percent will be covered by a loan. Families in this category are expected to contribute 20 percent of the fees. Students in Band Three will also receive an upkeep loan of Sh50,000 from HELB to support their living expenses.
Band Four targets families with an income above Sh70,000 but not exceeding Sh120,000. Under this category, the government will provide 40 percent of the tuition fees as a scholarship, while 30 percent will be offered as a loan. The families will be required to contribute the remaining 30 percent of the fees. Despite receiving slightly less support compared to the lower bands, students in Band Four will still benefit from a significant reduction in their financial burden.
Finally, Band Five applies to students from families earning more than Sh120,000 per month. These students will receive 30 percent of their tuition fees as a loan, while their families will be required to pay 40 percent of the fees. The remaining 30 percent will be covered by a government scholarship. Although the support for students in Band Five is less generous compared to the other bands, it still represents a substantial contribution towards the cost of higher education.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba, in a statement on Friday, acknowledged the concerns raised by students and families regarding the categorization into the different bands. He assured the public that students who are dissatisfied with the band they have been placed in can appeal the decision through the Higher Education Portal. This process aims to ensure that the funding model is implemented fairly and that students receive the support they need based on their actual financial circumstances.
The new funding model is part of President William Ruto’s broader strategy to make higher education more accessible to all Kenyans, regardless of their financial background. By tailoring financial support to the income levels of students’ families, the government hopes to reduce the financial barriers that often prevent students from pursuing higher education. However, as the model rolls out, its success will depend on effective implementation and the ability of the government to address any issues that may arise during the transition.
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