University Funding Model Woes Leave Students in Uncertainty

University Funding Model Woes Leave Students in Uncertainty.

University students nationwide face a turbulent start to the academic year due to funding delays and confusion over a controversial new financing model.

State agencies tasked with managing education funding are entangled in legal disputes regarding the 2023 funding framework.

The Kenya Human Rights Commission, Elimu Bora Working Group, the Students’ Caucus, and Boaz Waruku have challenged the model, asserting that it was implemented unlawfully and without sufficient public involvement.

In a landmark decision on December 26, 2024, the High Court ruled the funding model unconstitutional, describing it as discriminatory and insufficient in addressing students’ financial needs.

The ruling has left first- and second-year students uncertain about their financial future, as the previous differentiated unit cost model only applies to third- and fourth-year students.

Impact on Students

Many students, already grappling with the model’s complex eligibility criteria, now face even greater challenges. Mary Wangare, a first-year student at Multimedia University, expressed frustration about the lack of clarity.

She had initially been placed in Band Five, requiring her to pay Sh73,000 per semester. After appealing for a reassessment to Band Two or Three, she remains in limbo as exams loom in January.

Students like Mary are worried about meeting their financial obligations, with universities requiring full payment before exams.

Similarly, Leonella Susan, a first-year student at Maseno University, voiced concerns over her reliance on the new funding model to cover tuition fees. She questioned how to proceed without communication from relevant authorities. The ongoing uncertainty has left her feeling stressed and unsupported.

Mary Kiarie, a Kenyatta University student, highlighted additional struggles. She lamented the lack of communication regarding the Helb loan and how it would impact her ability to register for units or buy books.

She planned to visit the Helb offices at Anniversary Towers to seek answers but remained deeply frustrated.

Delayed Semester and Strike Fallout

Students’ difficulties have been exacerbated by the aftermath of last year’s lecturers’ strike, which extended the first semester beyond its planned 16 weeks.

Although students had received funding for the standard semester duration, the prolonged timeline has stretched their resources thin, compounding the financial strain.

The court’s decision has forced the Higher Education Loans Board (Helb) and the Universities Fund to revisit the drawing board.

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Government representatives, including the Attorney-General and Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos, filed notices of appeal in December 2024, but no formal appeal has been lodged.

Boaz Waruku, one of the petitioners, noted that they are awaiting the memorandum of appeal and typed court proceedings before the case progresses.

Government sources have warned of dire consequences if the funding suspension persists. Public universities, already constrained by shrinking education budgets, face potential sustainability challenges that could lead to closures.

Rising Concerns Over Student Welfare

The new funding model, introduced to curb soaring university education costs, quickly became contentious. Students have found the application process and eligibility criteria burdensome, with many unsure how to navigate the system.

The Kenya Human Rights Commission and other advocacy groups argue that the model’s implementation lacked transparency and consideration for public input.

For now, uncertainty looms large as students await a resolution. Without clear communication or financial support, many are left questioning how they will cope in the coming months.

As one petitioner remarked, the government must urgently address this crisis to safeguard students’ education and the future of higher learning institutions.

University Funding Model Woes Leave Students in Uncertainty.

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