Githunguri MP Criticizes New University Funding Model, Terms it Discriminatory

Githunguri MP Criticizes New University Funding Model, Terms It Discriminatory.

Githunguri Constituency MP, Gathoni Wa Muchomba, has expressed strong disapproval of Kenya’s newly introduced university funding model. She described the model as discriminatory, flawed, and misleading, raising concerns about its implications for higher education in the country.

President William Ruto launched the New Higher Education Funding Model on May 3, 2023, with the primary goal of providing sufficient financial support to all eligible students pursuing higher education.

The president emphasized that this model aims to tackle the issues public universities and TVET institutions encounter, especially those associated with high enrollment numbers and insufficient funding.

Key Changes to the Funding Framework

The new model replaces the previous Differentiated Unit Cost (DUC) system and introduces the Means Testing Instrument (MTI) as a tool to assess the financial needs of applicants. Unlike the DUC system, the new approach focuses on individualized student assessments to determine funding needs.

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“The new university funding model in Kenya is a sure way of undoing the gains of 100 percent secondary school transition achieved by the previous regimes. If we maintain the status quo with the new student-centered funding model (SCFM), most students will not join universities under this new model,” the MP said.

Criticism from Gathoni Wa Muchomba

Wa Muchomba criticized the new funding framework, stating that although the Means Testing Instrument (MTI) may be scientifically sound, it fails in practical application.

She argued that the model inappropriately categorizes citizens into economic classes, particularly since voting is not based on economic status.

The MP warned that maintaining the current status quo under the Student-Centered Funding Model (SCFM) could reverse the progress made in achieving a 100 percent secondary school transition, with many students potentially missing out on university education.

Call to Action

The MP has organized a forum for all incoming university students from Githunguri Constituency to discuss concerns about the new funding model.

The Githunguri Constituency office will host the forum today (Monday) at 2 PM. Students are required to bring their admission letters, IDs, and other necessary documents to participate in the discussion.

The New Funding Structure: Details

According to the new model, universities and TVET institutions will no longer receive block funding through capitation. Instead, the new model will provide financial support for students through scholarships, loans, and household contributions.

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The Universities Fund will offer scholarships ranging from 30 percent to 70 percent, depending on the student’s financial needs.

Household contributions and loans will cover any remaining financial gap. Students seeking scholarships must apply through the Higher Education Financing (HEF) portal at www.hef.co.ke.

Githunguri MP Criticizes New University Funding Model, Terms It Discriminatory.

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