CS Machogu directs universities to admit students pending processing of funds

Education CS Ezekiel Machogu when he appeared before the National Assembly's Education Committee on August 24, 2023. [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu has directed institutions of higher learning to admit all students placed by the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) pending the processing of the new university funding model.

In a circular dated Thursday, August 24, Machogu said he was aware that the institutions had planned to start admissions days before the deadline for the funding application.

"The Ministry has noted that public universities and colleges will commence admission for the Academic Year 2023/2024 on different dates, ranging from August 24 to September 25, 2023," the communique to the institution head reads.

"In view of the foregoing, you are directed as follows: Universities and colleges shall admit all students from the 2022 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education cohort as placed by the KUCCPS, pending the processing of their applications for funding."

The CS has also directed that all universities and colleges set up a help desk to assist first-year students with application challenges.

This puts to rest questions raised by Kenyans on how new students from low-income backgrounds can secure spaces in the institutions.

The new funding model allows students to apply for scholarships, loans, and bursaries from the government. Before the government directly funded the activities of the institutions and gave loans, from the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) to students for upkeep and other needs.

Under the new model, students from public universities and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVETs) who require funding must apply formally through the Higher Education Financing portal.