The Elimu Bora Working Group has issued a call to the Ministry of Education, urging an immediate reversal of the new university funding model, citing concerns over its impact on students’ access to higher education. In a strongly worded statement released on Sunday, the group also demanded the disbandment of a 129-member committee appointed by President William Ruto to review the new model. They argue that the new system has excluded hundreds of thousands of eligible students from furthering their studies due to its rigid and unaffordable nature.
The call to revert to the old funding model comes at a time when the higher education sector in Kenya is grappling with significant challenges in ensuring accessibility, affordability, and equity. The new university funding model, which was introduced as part of reforms to make education more sustainable, has received widespread criticism for allegedly locking out a large number of students from university and tertiary education. According to the Elimu Bora Working Group, this policy has severely affected students’ ability to access affordable education, particularly for those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
The Impact of the New Funding Model
The lobby group claims that nearly 600,000 students who were eligible for university placements in 2023 were forced to skip the application process due to the unaffordability created by the new funding model. Out of these, more than 23,000 students had met university entry requirements but still chose not to apply. The group’s statement highlights the deep concerns regarding the exclusionary nature of the model, which they argue has made higher education a luxury only a few can afford.
In addition to university placements, the new funding system has also had adverse effects on students seeking diploma and certificate courses. The Elimu Bora Working Group pointed out that the rigid funding bands established under the new model have rendered education inaccessible for thousands of diploma and certificate students. The group provided alarming statistics, revealing that 136,592 students who were eligible for diploma courses and 249,149 who qualified for certificate programs were unable to pursue their education due to the unaffordability of the funding system.
The group warned that if immediate action is not taken, the current system would continue to widen the gap between the rich and the poor, thereby undermining the country’s efforts to promote inclusive and equitable education for all.
The Call for Action
In their statement, the Elimu Bora Working Group did not mince words regarding the consequences of what they termed “experimental policies” in the education sector. “Our students should not be subjected to experimental policies that jeopardize their education,” the group declared. They further stated, “We don’t need a committee to confirm that the new university funding model is terrible and hurts our children. We have seen its devastating effects right before our eyes.”
The lobby’s call for action comes amidst ongoing debates on the sustainability of the new funding model, which was introduced as a way to allocate financial resources more efficiently within Kenya’s higher education sector. However, the group argues that the model has failed to take into account the socio-economic realities of many students and their families, ultimately leaving a significant portion of the student population without access to education.
President Ruto’s Response and the Committee’s Mandate
President William Ruto, in an attempt to address growing concerns about the new model, appointed a national working committee on September 16, 2023. The committee’s mandate includes reviewing the efficacy of the current funding model, assessing the cost of university programs, analyzing the structure of student loans, and addressing the concerns raised by students and education stakeholders.
Despite the appointment of the committee, the Elimu Bora Working Group has expressed its dissatisfaction with the approach, calling for its immediate disbandment. The group argues that the effects of the new funding system are already evident and that a committee is unnecessary to confirm what they see as a failed policy. They believe that reverting to the old university funding model is the best course of action to ensure that all eligible students have the opportunity to pursue higher education.
The group’s criticism of the current system aligns with wider public sentiment, as many students, parents, and education advocates have voiced concerns over the rising cost of education under the new model. The affordability of higher education remains a critical issue in Kenya, where economic disparities continue to hinder many students from accessing quality education.
Conclusion
The Elimu Bora Working Group’s demand for the immediate reversal of the new university funding model underscores the ongoing challenges facing Kenya’s higher education system. With hundreds of thousands of students unable to access affordable education, the lobby’s call for a return to the previous funding model reflects a growing sense of urgency. As the debate continues, the Ministry of Education faces mounting pressure to find a solution that ensures equal access to education for all, regardless of socio-economic background. The outcome of the committee’s review, if it proceeds, will be critical in determining the future direction of higher education funding in Kenya.
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