MPs call for clarity on varsity funding model to avert crisis

Higher Education and Research PS Dr. Beatrice Inyangala. [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

Students joining university this year have until the end of Thursday to apply for funding.

This even as MPs raised questions over poor communication and unclear implementation process surrounding the new funding model.

Members of the National Assembly said university funding and costing of programmes lacks clarity for majority of parents and students, which could lock out many.

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula on Wednesday said that the matter requires elaborate explanation.

He ruled that a meeting will be convened on Tuesday to allow Education Committee Chairman, Julius Melly to present a comprehensive report.

“I invite all of you to attend a Kamukunji on Tuesday so that we can have explanations and those who have additional questions on this issue can ask so that it can be clarified as clearly as it can be,” Wetang’ula said.

Samburu East MP, Naisula Lesuuda said that there is confusion on the university funding model and it is still not clear on what the students should pay when admissions begin later this month.

“Normally when students report to school, they are told that they have to pay a certain percentage for them to be admitted. Since the government is taking, say 70 per cent in terms of loans and scholarships and the parent is paying about 30 per cent and then the student shows up and says that a certain percentage will be paid by the Universities Fund, will that student be admitted?” Lesuuda posed.

Seme MP, James Nyikal admitted that he has had to spend a lot of time explaining to parents about the funding model because they do not know that the letter they have, gives the entire cost of the course.

He said that parents require a clear explanation on what exactly they should pay.

“There are things you do to get things going…Parents are going all over the place trying to raise Sh500,000 for Medicine. The Ministry should give information on what to do, it is a crisis,” said Dr Nyikal.

Emuhaya MP Omboko Milemba said that the country is dealing with a situation where the Ministry has information, seems to have a procedure but people still do not know how the funding model works.

“We can save students going to the universities by making a ruling that the deadline be extended because that would really help as the new minister comes down to write a proper memo that will indicate the fees structure, what came out has already discouraged some learners,” said Milemba.

“If the House could make a ruling that all students supposed to join university – all of them go – because last time when we were in such a situation, that was the resolve made and it saved the situation. The rest of the issues will be done when they are already there so that the Ministry have time to explain all these processes and this way, Parliament will have helped an entire education system,” he added.

The Ministry had extended funding application for 2023 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) students joining universities in the 2024/25 academic year.

By August 4, some 79,038 university students out of 153,275 placed by Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) had applied for loans and scholarships, which meant that at least 74,237 students had not yet applied for funding.

“We are pleased to announce that the application process has been extended by 10 days, closing on August 15. Under the new funding model, Government funding will be allocated based on individual student need. Starting August 19, parents and guardians will be informed of the university fees/household contribution towards the cost of the university programmes,” said the Ministry, in a statement.

In response to questions asked in Parliament, the Ministry said that they use key elements in ensuring equitable access to funding including the Mean Testing Instrument (MTI).

The MTI assesses the financial need of each student by considering a range of socio-economic indicators such as household income, geographic location poverty probability index, special circumstances such as orphan and disability, the number of dependents, among other aspects.

The other one is the targeted financial aid, which is provided directly to students rather than institutions by ensuring that funds are used to meet the specific needs of each student.

The third element is scholarships and loans that ensure that needy students receive a higher allocation of scholarships and a lower loan amount.

A special consideration for vulnerable groups is also made, with the model giving absolute scores to students with disabilities and orphans and ensure they receive the necessary financial support without any undue burdens.

The Ministry also explained that affirmative action is incorporated to support marginalized and vulnerable groups, promoting inclusivity and equal opportunities for all students.

“Categorisation is based on the level of need which refers to the extent to which a student requires financial assistance to cover the cost of higher education. The level is determined by composite indicators which include but are not limited to, family structure and size, education expenditure, affirmative action and health expenditure.  This results in categorisation into five socio-economic tiers,” the Ministry explained.

Household income refers to the total earnings of a household including wages, salary, pension, proceeds from farming, business, and investments among others.

The different household economic levels represent broad household estimated income with level 1 comprising estimated household income of below Sh5,995 per month.

Level 2 includes estimated household income of between Sh5,995 to Sh23,670 per month, Level-3 covers those between Sh23,671 and Sh70,000 per month, Level 4 represents estimated household income of between Sh70,001 and Sh119,999 per month while Level 5 is for those with estimated monthly income above Sh120,000.

To mobilise more students to apply for scholarships and loans, the Ministry said that it has allowed students below 19 years to apply using their KCSE index number and to attach their birth certificate as evidence even as they wait for issuance of their National Identification cards

“Letters with huge fees were withdrawn and new letters indicating the household contribution will be reissued upon completion of the categorisation after August 15 when the application process is closed. The funding model includes specific measures to prevent high tuition fees from becoming a barrier to needy students,” the Ministry explained.