Anxiety grips parents as government revokes universities fee structure

Higher Education and Research PS Dr. Beatrice Muganda Inyangala before Public Accounts Committee (PAC) committee at Parliament buildings, Nairob. [Elvis Ogina, Standard] Parents and guardians have been left in a dilemma after the government nullified the fee structure for first-year students who are preparing to join university from September. Higher Education Principal Secretary Beatrice Inyangala announced that a new fee structure will be released on August 5. "The Ministry of Education wishes to inform the public, particularly parents or guardians of students, that fees to be paid by students and their families or guardians as relates to the full cost of each degree programme as previously communicated in the admission letters is hereby nullified and does not apply anymore," said Dr Inyangala in a statement on Friday. The move caught off guard parents and guardians who had already started preparing their children, with some having already made payments after universities issued fee guidelines and payment modes in readiness for the September admissions. Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) in May this year placed the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) 2023 cohort of students in various degree programmes, and the information was communicated to the learners by respective universities. Most of the students had applied for loans and scholarships based on the funding model that categorised them into four groups according to their level of need: vulnerable, extremely needy, needy, and less needy. The initial full cost of each degree programme as outlined in the admission letters was not clear, prompting a public outcry from law makers, parents, guardians and students. Members of Parliament (MPs) faulted the ministry for issuing the letters with huge amounts that discourage students from taking up the courses. The huge fees figures, MPs argued, had caused uncertainty among students from low income households. However, the students will now know the amount they pay when the new fee structure is released. "Beginning the 5th day of August 2024, the respective universities will communicate the new fees to be paid by each student as household contribution," said Dr Inyangala. The PS hastened to assure learners that placements in the respective academic programmes remain unchanged. "We wish to confirm that their places in the academic programmes are firmly secured," said the PS. The move on nullifying the fee structure was made so as to give room for amendment of the amounts displayed on the calling letters to ensure fee amounts were allocated based on the set classifications. This means the Ministry of Education will be required to complete the assessment of each student's financial need to determine the financial assistance they will give them. The students will be the second cohort to be admitted under the new universities funding model. Last month, some MPs placed the model under scrutiny, questioning the criteria used to place students in different bands for the issuance of scholarships and loans. "Did we as a country rush into this new funding model? Many students of peasant farmers are claiming that the Differentiated Unit Cost (DUC) model is working better than the current new funding model," said Marakwet MP Timothy Toroitich, adding that students were dropping courses on account of the cost. Reacting to the nullification of fees, Luanda MP Dick Maungu said it will be a relief to parents if the government lowers the fees in the new fee guidelines. "Maybe the government has realised that universities had overcharged the learners and wants to bring order in the higher education sector," he said. "The hope is that these changes will bring clarity and stability, allowing students to pursue their dreams without overwhelming financial burdens," he added. The sudden change left parents confused. One parent expressed frustration, noting that universities are still struggling with the 2022 cohort, many of whom are yet to pay any tuition fees. "If the same categorisation and issues extend to the 2023 cohort, universities will face even more problems," the parent stated. Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet) secretary general Akelo Misori echoed the financial strains facing families. "University education has become expensive here than before. How can a farmer in the village afford Sh400,000 per year for a student? Even selling everything they have wouldn't cover one year's tuition," said Misori. Educationist Ouko Muthoni lamented that the new funding model has further complicated higher education by raising costs. "To join Egerton for a BSc course costs Sh307,504 per year. Comrades are dropping out like never before due to financial pressures," she said. Muthoni noted that the recent high cost of living has forced many students into difficult situations, often going hungry or taking on jobs they are not proud of. "Many more will sadly not join university this year. This is why the youth are revolting against the massacre of their dreams. This is the law of common sense," Ouko said.

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