Government in Talks with Universities to Lower Tuition Costs

Government in Talks with Universities to Lower Tuition Costs

The government is working to reduce university fees as it faces widespread criticism over the new funding model. The Ministry of Education has initiated discussions with university vice chancellors to reconsider and potentially lower the costs of academic programs.

The new funding model allowed universities to set their program costs in 2023. Although the government provides financial aid through scholarships and loans, the high costs of these programs have sparked criticism from parents, students, and politicians.

Geoffrey Monari, CEO of the Universities Fund, announced that negotiations with vice chancellors have begun to align and reduce fees. Monari clarified that they are collaborating closely with universities to pinpoint programs that could receive additional discounts.

Public Discontent and Student Choices

The new tuition fees have generated significant public dissatisfaction, with many finding them unaffordable. In the first year of the new funding model, some students opted for cheaper courses rather than their preferred fields of study due to the high costs.

Under the student-centered funding model, the fees for various degree programs differ across institutions. The Ministry of Education instructed universities to review their program costs in 2023 and report the updated figures.

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Monari promised to apply a 15% discount on actual program costs, subject to ongoing reviews based on student enrollment and program offerings.

A comparison of current university fees shows that a Dental Surgery degree costs approximately Sh612,000 per year at Moi University and Sh521,840 per year at the University of Nairobi (UoN). A Bachelor of Laws degree at Mount Kenya University (MKU) costs Sh170,000 per year.

Criticism from Key Figures

Chief Justice Martha Koome has criticized the university funding model, calling it discriminatory. She cautioned that the implementation of the model without changes could exacerbate the inequality gap in higher education. Koome has urged a review of the entire structure, suggesting the consolidation of all bursaries to make education free for all students.

Koome raised concerns about the Means Testing Instrument (MTI) used by the Ministry of Education to determine financial aid eligibility. She pointed out that the current banding system could prevent needy and vulnerable students from accessing higher education.

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Martha Karua, leader of Narc Kenya, has also condemned the new funding model, describing it as unconstitutional and prone to manipulation.

Karua argued that there was little to no public participation in the model’s implementation, which she believes is essential for such significant changes.

She cautioned that enforcing the model without proper consultation could deprive many young Kenyans of the chance to improve their lives through education.

Government in Talks with Universities to Lower Tuition Costs

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