MPs Raise Concerns Over Fairness in University Selection and Funding Model
Members of Parliament have criticized the government’s university placement system and funding allocation, arguing it is unfair.
They claim that the selection process disadvantages students from vulnerable families, who often do not secure any slots.
Additionally, students from marginalized regions struggle to access higher education due to the high cut-off points required for university admission.
Challenges for Marginalized Regions
Julius Melly, Chairman of the Education Committee, highlighted the challenges faced by students in hardship areas who must compete with those from more favorable regions.
Melly noted that it is unrealistic to expect students from disadvantaged backgrounds to perform on par with their counterparts from more privileged regions.
He pointed out that regions unable to meet the required cut-off points for specific courses are disproportionately affected, and if the current trend continues, learners from marginalized areas will suffer the most.
Melly used the example of a medicine course requiring a mean grade of A plain, which would likely exclude students from marginalized areas who might not meet this threshold.
He warned that places like North Eastern might go decades without producing a doctor under the current system.
Criticism of Wealth Bias and Data Reliance
Malava MP Malulu Injendi criticized the university placement trend, noting it increasingly favors wealthy families.
Higher Education Principal Secretary Beatrice Inyangala, addressing the committee, emphasized that the current policy bases student selection on performance.
She urged MPs to develop policies that provide equal opportunities for marginalized groups, acknowledging that the merit-based policy appears skewed.
MPs also raised concerns about the university funding model’s reliance on data from sources such as the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), and mobile network providers.
They argued this could disadvantage students from rural areas and those in informal employment sectors where formal registration is limited.
Data Collection and Affirmative Action Concerns
Lugari MP Nabii Nabwera questioned the accuracy of data collection, particularly for students in rural areas with limited access to technology. Kabondo Kasipul MP Eve Obara also questioned the withdrawal of affirmative action policies that previously favored female students.
Dr. Inyangala explained that the new funding model assesses students and places them in financial aid bands, which determine the percentage of their university fees covered by scholarships, loans from the Higher Education Loans Board (Helb), and household contributions.
Helb Chief Executive Officer Charles Ringera assured the committee that multiple data sources are used to verify applicants’ information.
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In conclusion, MPs recommend the development of policies that ensure equal opportunities for marginalized students.
They advocate for a more balanced and fair selection and funding system that does not rely solely on performance or biased data sources, but rather considers the unique challenges faced by students from different regions and backgrounds.
MPs Raise Concerns Over Fairness in University Selection and Funding Model
