Kenyan Universities Funding Crisis as December Exams Approach

Kenyan Universities Funding Crisis as December Exams Approach.

As December exams draw near, universities across Kenya are grappling with a financial crisis that threatens to disrupt the academic calendar and leave thousands of students in despair. For the past four months, these institutions have struggled to operate under severe financial strain.

This crisis has been exacerbated by the suspension of the government’s new funding model for higher education, following a court ruling in September.

The model, which aimed to allocate scholarships and loans based on students’ financial capacities, was declared illegal, leaving institutions without essential funding. Consequently, universities are unable to pay staff salaries or cover operational costs, pushing them to the brink of collapse.

The funding freeze has affected over 234,000 first- and second-year students admitted in 2023 and 2024. Many students now fear exclusion from their end-of-semester exams due to unpaid fees.

Those from vulnerable backgrounds are particularly affected, as the suspension of upkeep loans has made it difficult for them to meet basic needs like rent and daily expenses.

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Jane Mwangi, a third-year student at Moi University, expressed concern over her inability to settle rent arrears and manage her upkeep.

Some universities have issued ultimatums requiring students to clear outstanding fees before being allowed to sit for exams. Vice chancellors are now faced with the difficult decision of whether to enforce such measures or allow students to proceed with exams despite unpaid fees.

Institutional Challenges

University Fund Board CEO Geoffrey Monari highlighted the severity of the situation, noting that compliance with the court order has left the board unable to disburse funds. Without these resources, universities cannot support their operations or students.

The Vice Chancellor’s Committee chair, Daniel Mugendi, echoed these concerns, stating that without funding, universities are nearing a standstill and unable to pay staff or provide essential services.

Adding to the financial strain, a three-week lecturers’ strike—driven by demands for the government to honor a 2012-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement—delayed the semester’s completion, further complicating matters.

Government Intervention

President William Ruto intervened last week, directing universities to allow students benefiting from the new funding model to sit for their exams regardless of fee arrears.

Speaking at Scott Christian University’s graduation ceremony on December 6 in Machakos, he urged institutions to exercise patience as the government resolves the funding issues.

He emphasized the need for universities to permit students to complete their exams while awaiting the resumption of full disbursements under the student-centered higher education financing system.

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The president’s appeal underscores deeper challenges within Kenya’s higher education sector. While the new funding model aims to alleviate financial burdens for both students and institutions, delays in disbursements have created significant uncertainty.

This uncertainty places undue stress on students and threatens the academic stability of universities.

Summary of Key Challenges and Responses

Despite these interventions, the financial turmoil continues to cast a shadow over Kenya’s universities, leaving students and institutions in a precarious position as they await a resolution to the crisis.

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