All parents with students in universities and colleges will now be required to pay fees following the government review of the new funding formula, which comes months after it’s initial unveiling.
This change contradicts the initial plan of relieving parents incapable of financing their children’s higher education, as all households will now contribute to the fees.
The updated funding formula has been adjusted to include scholarships, tuition fees, household contributions, and student upkeep. Additionally, the 4 student categories of “vulnerable,” “extremely needy,” “needy,” and “less needy” have been expanded to 5 and renamed as “bands.”
In this revised formula, all students falling into these 5 bands will receive financial assistance ranging from KSh40,000 to KSh60,000, depending on their household’s financial strength.
However, it has become apparent that all households will share a portion of their children’s education costs, deviating from the initial plan.
The need for this review arose due to concerns about the sustainability of the funding formula introduced by President William Ruto. Under the initial plan, the “vulnerable and extremely needy” were exempted from any household costs as the government intended to cover all expenses.
Only the “needy and less needy” were supposed to contribute 7% toward university education, with varying percentages for scholarships and loans.
The details revealed that the initial funding plan might be too costly in the long run. Government sources expressed concerns about the required funding, which they believe may not be sustainable in the coming years.
Despite the challenges, approximately 116,532 university students and 126,825 TVET students have submitted scholarship and loan applications.
The verification and categorization of around 220,000 students have been completed by funding institutions, and discussions are ongoing for the release of funds for loans and scholarships.
However, public universities and colleges are grappling with a financial crisis due to delayed funding by the State. Vice Chancellors have had to use funds meant for continuing students to support the first year’s budgets, as the money for new students has not yet been disbursed.
The situation has prompted concerns about the government’s ability to manage the funding process effectively, with the hope that the money will be made available to universities soon. Overall, the sustainability and execution of the new funding plan remain subjects of debate and concern.
