In recent years, the state of university funding in Kenya has been a topic of intense debate among stakeholders. With the rising cost of education and concerns about the quality and accessibility of university programs, the government has faced increasing pressure to find a sustainable solution. Dr. Beatrice Inyangala, the Higher Education Principal Secretary (PS), recently addressed these concerns at the 21st graduation ceremony of Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST). Her speech highlighted the government’s commitment to developing a workable university funding model that aligns with the needs of students, parents, and institutions alike.
Addressing Stakeholder Concerns During her speech, Dr. Inyangala acknowledged the concerns raised by various stakeholders regarding the new University Funding Model. She emphasized that President William Ruto had established a national committee to review and revise this model in response to these concerns. The PS noted, “There have been concerns and we listened, we have heard you and that’s why His Excellency President William Ruto has established a national committee to look into these grievances and revise this model in order to meet students and parents at the point of need.” This approach underscores a collaborative effort to develop a funding model that not only meets the financial needs of students and their families but also supports quality education across the country.
Government’s Role in Supporting Higher Learning Dr. Inyangala highlighted the government’s role in providing the necessary resources to ensure universities can offer quality education. Through the new funding model, the government covers up to 95 percent of the cost of university programs, allowing families to meet only 5 percent. “The government’s intention for creating the funding model was to develop a framework that ensures there is adequate flow of resources in universities to offer quality education where students are also supported according to their level of need,” she stated. This initiative aims to alleviate the financial burden on students and parents, making higher education more accessible and affordable.
Promoting a Diversified Funding Stream In her speech, Dr. Inyangala also emphasized the importance of universities diversifying their funding streams. She acknowledged that while the government’s contribution is substantial, it may not be sufficient to meet all the demands of quality education. “The government provides for infrastructure, teaching and learning materials plus equipment, and this graduation here today at Masinde Muliro University is a witness to the fact that the government’s contribution is actually bearing fruit,” she said. However, she also urged universities to explore other avenues for funding, such as partnerships with the private sector, international donors, and alumni networks, to ensure sustainability.
Support for Lecturers and Recovery of Lost Time The PS also acknowledged the challenges faced by lecturers, especially after weeks of strike. She lauded their return to classrooms and their commitment to recovering lost time. “We continue to pay our lecturers and we happily concluded a lecturers’ strike and thank our lecturers for their commitment coming back to class, recovering lost time and we know that we shall get the best out of them,” she said. Dr. Inyangala’s comments reflect the government’s recognition of the importance of lecturer well-being in maintaining the quality of education. This commitment to resolving concerns related to staff remuneration and working conditions is crucial for the stability and effectiveness of universities.
Looking Forward: The Vision 2030 and Beyond The PS’s speech was also an opportunity to link university funding to broader national development goals, particularly Vision 2030 and the bottom-up economic transformation agenda. “It’s only through the research that comes out of these universities that we can dare to dream that we can achieve what is enshrined in the Vision 2030 and the bottom-up economic transformation agenda,” she affirmed. By investing in higher education, the government aims to nurture talent and innovation, thus contributing to the country’s economic growth and development. This strategic alignment is vital for ensuring that the education sector contributes effectively to the realization of national goals.
Conclusion Dr. Inyangala’s address at the MMUST graduation ceremony underscores the government’s commitment to providing a sustainable funding model for universities. By addressing stakeholder concerns, supporting lecturers, and promoting a diversified funding stream, the government seeks to ensure that higher education in Kenya is both accessible and of high quality. As the national committee continues its work, it is clear that the government is determined to meet students and parents at the point of need, fostering a conducive environment for learning and research. Through these efforts, the government aims to equip the next generation with the knowledge and skills needed to drive the nation’s development agenda forward.
