Over 150,000 KCSE candidates placed in universities under new funding model

Education CS Ezekiel Machogu at Migori Teachers Training College on June 3.[ Anne Atieno,Standard]

The Ministry of Education has revealed that 153,274 candidates who sat the 2023 KCSE have been placed in universities under the Student-Centred Funding Model. 

The fees for these students will be covered by self-sponsorship or scholarships, according to Education CS Ezekiel Machogu.

In a statement on Friday, June 7, Machogu explained that the new funding model, which separates the placement process of first-year students to universities from funding, has seen a significant number of students apply for funding since its implementation in September 2023.

“As at May 2024, a total of 112,741 university students and 151,933 TVET learners applied for scholarships and loans from the Universities Fund and HELB respectively. A total of Sh24.76b was disbursed to scholarships and loans for university students, while Sh11.3b went to TVET trainees,” Machogu said.

Out of the 201,146 candidates who qualified for university entry in the 2023 KCSE examination, 153,274 students have been placed by KUCCPS to various degree programmes in Universities.

As the second cohort of student beneficiaries prepare to join higher learning institutions, the government has directed that fees for degree programmes will be funded through scholarship, loan, and parents’ contribution.

“Parents or guardians contribution for each student will only be known after the student has applied for funding and assessment based on the level of need is completed. This will thereafter determine the amount of scholarship and loan that they require,” Machogu clarified.

The Cabinet Secretary directed the HELB and the Universities Fund (UF) to open the funding portal by June 15 to enable eligible students to apply for funding.

 The results for the funding application process are set to be released from July 31, 2024.

Machogu also urged universities and funding agencies to embark on a sensitisation programme on the new funding model. 

This move, he noted, would help students and parents understand the new system and its benefits.