12,958 lodge complaints over university funding categorisation

The Ministry of Education has extended the opening period of the Higher Education Portal for application of loans and scholarships following appeals lodged by students.

On Friday, Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos stated that several students had filed complaints over the new funding model.

Of the categorized applicants, 12,958 have lodged appeals for re-categorization. 

"The processing of the appeals has now started and will be concluded within three weeks from the date of each of appeal. The portal will remain open until 31st December 2024, to allow for late appeals," said Migos.

The CS statement comes amidst public outcry over the news university funding categorisation process that has left out some needy beneficiaries.

 Migosi has emphasized that the re-categorization will rely on the accuracy of the information provided regarding an applicant's socio-economic background.

In the re-categorization process, the Ministry will review the affirmative action considerations, socio-demographic factors and, family education expenses. 

To ensure that all applicants are categorized fairly, the Ministry will work in collaboration with the National Government Administration Office. 

"These officers will assist in verifying the information provided by applicants from their respective jurisdictions, across all the 106,600 villages in the country," he said.

He clarified that the multi-agency approach is part of the government's broader effort to enhance transparency, efficiency, and accountability in the system.

Meanwhile, the Ministry has received 134,029 applications for loans and scholarships of which 127,591 have already been categorized into various bands. 

The government has so far disbursed Sh. 5.2 b  to the Higher Education Loans Board for tuition and Sh.2.8b for upkeep loans to the Universities Fund for scholarships. 

 The disbursement process will be completed by August 30, 2024.