The Ministry of Education in Kenya is taking significant steps to address the contentious new funding model for higher education. Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba announced on Sunday that the ministry is setting up two committees to engage with students and other stakeholders, aiming to resolve the ongoing disputes over the funding changes.
The announcement comes as university students prepare for demonstrations scheduled for Monday, September 9, 2024, protesting the new funding model that many believe will limit access to higher education. CS Ogamba urged the student leadership to call off the planned protests to facilitate a constructive dialogue through the newly established committees. “In order to allow room for this open consultative process, the university student leadership is requested to call off the demonstrations scheduled for 9th September, 2024. This will afford the student community the chance to contribute effectively to issues pertaining to their higher education, while also progressing with their studies without disruption,” he said.
The Education Ministry’s move reflects a commitment to addressing the students’ concerns and involves a review of the new funding model’s implementation status. The committees will be tasked with several key objectives, including appraising the implementation of the funding model, evaluating the effectiveness of the means-testing instrument used to categorize students based on socio-economic status, and assessing the appeals mechanism’s efficacy.
Further, the committees will analyze the cost structures of various university programs and review the student loans system, focusing on interest rates and repayment periods. This comprehensive approach is intended to ensure that the funding model is not only fair but also supports students’ academic pursuits without undue financial strain.
CS Ogamba emphasized the ministry’s openness to student input and the importance of engaging all stakeholders to find a favorable solution. The committees will include members from student leadership, experts in education and finance, and other relevant stakeholders. Importantly, the committees are time-bound, indicating a sense of urgency in resolving these issues.
The new funding model has been criticized for potentially disadvantaging many students, as it separates student placement from funding. Under the new system, students must independently apply for loans and scholarships through the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) and the Universities Fund (UF). The funding now combines scholarships, loans, and household contributions on a graduated scale determined by a scientifically developed means-testing instrument, which places eligible students into five bands based on financial need.
President William Ruto has been a vocal supporter of the new model, arguing that it provides targeted support to the most financially needy students. According to President Ruto, students placed in the highest need band will receive a 70 percent scholarship, 25 percent loan, and a 5 percent household contribution, along with up to Ksh.60,000 for upkeep. However, only students placed in public universities by the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) are eligible for these scholarships and loans, while those attending private universities will only qualify for HELB loans.
The ministry’s initiative to form committees and engage in dialogue reflects an effort to ensure that the new funding model is equitable and accessible to all students. By addressing concerns over the effectiveness and fairness of the model, the government aims to prevent disruptions to students’ education and foster a more inclusive higher education landscape.
As the committees begin their work, the Ministry of Education is hopeful that a balanced approach can be found, one that aligns with the needs of students while maintaining the sustainability of higher education funding in Kenya. The outcomes of these discussions will be closely watched by students, parents, and education stakeholders across the country, as they will significantly impact the future of higher education in Kenya.
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