Government Extends Funding Application Deadline for 2023 KCSE Cohort
In response to concerns over the new university funding model, the Kenyan government has extended the funding application deadline for the 2023 KCSE cohort to August 15, 2024.
The extension aims to accommodate the substantial number of students who have yet to apply for financial assistance.
As of August 4, 2024, government data showed that 79,038 university students had applied for both loans and scholarships, while 74,237 students were still pending applications.
The Ministry of Education had initially opened the application portal on June 18, 2024, indicating a proactive approach to student funding.
Defense of the New Funding Model
Amidst criticisms of the new university funding model, Beatrice Inyangala, Principal Secretary for Higher Education and Research, defended the changes.
During an interview on Citizen TV, she argued that education has become more affordable and accessible under the new system.
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Inyangala highlighted that vulnerable families would only need to contribute Ksh 6,000 annually.
She refuted claims of complexity and transparency issues, asserting that the model is designed to benefit students from various financial backgrounds.
Categorization of Students
The new funding model categorizes students into five bands based on their financial need. The most vulnerable students, classified in band one, receive 95 percent government support.
For example, a student from a vulnerable background in band one undertaking a Bachelor of Arts program will pay no more than Ksh 6,000 annually.
This approach contrasts with the previous Differentiated Unit Cost (DUC) system, which allocated block funding to institutions.
| Band | Government Support | Annual Cost for Students |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 95% | ≤ Ksh 6,000 |
| 2-5 | 60%-95% | Varies |
Challenges and Misinformation
Despite the government’s positive outlook, the rollout of the new funding framework has faced challenges.
Misinformation regarding program costs and parental contributions has led to confusion.
Dr. Beatrice Muganda Inyangala addressed these issues, stating that there are no bottlenecks in scholarship and loan applications, but disinformation about program costs and parental fees persists.
Role of Scholarships and Loans
The new funding model replaces the DUC system with a nuanced approach to financial assistance.
Scholarships provided by the Universities Fund (UF) range from 30 percent to 70 percent, depending on the student’s level of need.
The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) supplements these scholarships with loans, ensuring that all financial gaps are bridged.
Inyangala assured that no fees should be paid until the categorization process is complete, offering some relief to students and parents.
Placement and Government Support
The Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) has placed 153,275 students from the 2023 KCSE cohort into public and private universities.
However, government support hinges on students applying for funding. The government’s pledge to cover 60 percent to 95 percent of the costs based on income levels is a significant step toward equitable education.
The remaining costs will be borne by households, with parental contributions capped at 40 percent.
Conclusion: Implementation and Communication
The success of this funding model depends on clear communication and effective implementation.
The utilisation of the Means Testing Instrument (MTI) to assess financial needs is central to ensuring that resources are allocated fairly.
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Collaboration between UF, HELB, KUCCPS, and the State Department for Technical and Vocational Education and Training aims to streamline the process, making higher education more accessible to all Kenyan students.
Government Extends Funding Application Deadline for 2023 KCSE Cohort
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