Thousands of University Students Stranded Amid Funding Model Deadlock.
As public universities resume the second semester, thousands of first- and second-year students remain unable to report to campuses, caught in a financial crisis following a High Court ruling that deemed the government’s new university funding model unconstitutional.
With no access to tuition, accommodation, or even basic meals, many students face the grim prospect of missing out on their education.
Universities Struggle Without Funds
The Chairperson of the Vice-Chancellors’ Committee of Public Universities in Kenya, Prof. Daniel Mugendi, explained that without government support, students are struggling to stay in school. He noted that the court ruling has left first- and second-year students without access to crucial funding for their upkeep, leaving many unable to attend lectures.
The ruling, issued by the High Court in December 2024, halted the disbursement of funds from the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) and the Universities Fund.
These funds were vital to students under the new student-centered funding model introduced in May 2023, which tailored financial assistance based on poverty levels and the cost of courses.
Prof. Mugendi, who also serves as Vice-Chancellor of Embu University, expressed hope that the matter would be resolved quickly to restore funding. He emphasized that other students, whose upkeep is already supported by HELB, are keeping universities afloat for now.
Court Ruling Sparks Concern Over Collapse of Higher Education
Universities Fund Chief Executive Officer Geoffrey Monari highlighted the risks posed by the annulment of the funding model.
The court’s decision, he explained in filings, has made it impossible to distribute funds to universities or students, particularly first- and second-year students who were the primary beneficiaries of the new model.
HELB Acting CEO Mary Muchoki shared similar concerns, pointing out that the judgment has crippled their ability to finance higher education. She warned that unless immediate action is taken, some institutions could face indefinite closure.
Students Bear the Brunt of the Crisis
For students, the financial standstill has been devastating. Many can no longer afford basic needs, let alone tuition or transport to campus. John Mwangi, a first-year engineering student, shared his plight, explaining that he cannot even afford meals, leaving him uncertain about how to proceed with his studies.
Mary Achieng, a second-year education student at Maseno University, echoed this sentiment. She stated that the HELB funds are a lifeline, without which her education hangs in the balance.
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Universities Seek Stopgap Measures
Some universities have attempted to address the crisis through internal funding initiatives, but these efforts have proven insufficient to bridge the gap. Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has urged universities to accommodate students during this legal battle, stressing the importance of finding a resolution.
The situation remains dire, with students threatening protests as uncertainty continues to loom over the future of higher education in Kenya.
Thousands of University Students Stranded Amid Funding Model Deadlock
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