Gov’t Set To Announce New University Funding Model After Previous Backlash
Following the High Court’s decision to overturn the old model, which was implemented in 2023, the government has commenced the process of developing an improved university funding formula.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba, speaking to Nation Africa on Tuesday, January 28, stated that a proposal incorporating the modifications was nearing completion.
According to the CS, a special committee established by President William Ruto last year had already delivered a preliminary draft of the suggestions, with the remaining adjustments expected by the end of this week.
Ogamba added that once authorized, the new funding model will come into effect in September when most first years would be joining for higher learning.
Today I officiated the signing of the FY 2024/2025 State Corporations Performance Contracts and the launch of the Ministry’s 5th ISO 9001:2015 certificate at the Centre for Mathematics Science and Technology Education in Africa (CEMASTEA) Offices in Karen, Nairobi.
— Julius Migos Ogamba, EBS (@HonJuliusMigos) January 28, 2025
Performance… pic.twitter.com/nMrCEwswLi
Furthermore, Ogamba stated that the proposal contained an extension of the factors of the Means Testing Instrument (MTI) used to determine a learner’s level of need.
The education minister also acknowledged the difficulties encountered by students under the previous funding scheme but assured Kenyans of the government’s commitment to resolving the disparities.
In May 2023, President Ruto announced a new university finance model that will provide financial aid to students seeking higher education at universities and vocational training institutions.
Upon its inception, students were encouraged to apply for loans and scholarships individually using a Means Testing Instrument that classified learners as vulnerable, severely needy, needy, or not needy.
However, the concept raised concerns among students and parents, who questioned the government’s criteria for determining a learner’s level of need.
As a result, students protested the strategy, citing a lack of openness.
Following months of outrage, the High Court in Nairobi deemed the new funding scheme unlawful on December 20, claiming it discriminated against pupils with the right to an education.
Justice Chacha Mwita, who delivered the verdict, stated that it was the government’s responsibility to pay public universities, and so the new funding model violated the constitution.
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The judge also criticized the administration for failing to conduct proper public involvement in the law.
“It should have been subjected to the public so that the public comments before its implementation,” Justice Mwita stated.
The verdict came in response to a case submitted last year by the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) alleging that the funding scheme was discriminatory and lacking in transparency.
Meanwhile, a portion of university students have delayed reporting to their learning institutions for their second semester, as uncertainty surrounds the future of the new funding scheme, with the majority of students yet to receive their capitation.
Gov’t Set To Announce New University Funding Model After Previous Backlash
