University Admission Joy Dimmed by Financial Burden of New Funding Model
For some students, the financial strain has overshadowed the joy of university admission.
Suheil Mkalla Mumba was thrilled when he earned an A- in the 2023 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams.
Although he had aimed for a straight A, Mumba was still satisfied with his results, as they qualified him for university admission, bringing hope for a better future for his family. However, this hope is quickly fading due to financial challenges associated with the new government funding model.
University Placement and Financial Burden
Mumba was placed at Egerton University by the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (Kuccps) to study medicine and surgery.
While many students would be excited by such a prestigious placement, Mumba’s dream is turning into a nightmare.
After applying for government funding through the newly introduced model, he was placed in Band 5, the category receiving the least financial support.
The annual cost of his program is Sh490,940, and Mumba is expected to pay Sh257,000 per year, or Sh128,500 in tuition fees, a sum far beyond his family’s means.
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Mumba’s parents, who rely on menial jobs, are unable to meet these financial demands, leaving his future uncertain.
Mumba expressed his concern, noting that his family, who has an income of over Sh120,000, was misclassified, putting them in a precarious situation as they struggle to secure funds for his education. His case is not isolated; many students across Kenya have similar complaints.
The New Funding Model and Its Challenges
The new funding model divides university fees into government scholarships from the Universities Fund (UF), and loans for tuition and upkeep provided by the Higher Education Loans Board (Helb).
The amount a student receives is determined by a means testing instrument (MTI), which has faced criticism for its inaccuracies.
Mumba, the eldest of six children, remains hopeful for assistance, having previously excelled in primary school with 389 marks out of 500, which led to a county government sponsorship for his secondary education.
The widespread dissatisfaction with the Helb and UF classifications is echoed by many students and their families, who argue that the current model has put higher education out of reach for many.
According to official data, out of 113,105 processed funding applications, only 10,528 were classified in Band 1 (receiving the highest support), while over half were placed in Bands 4 and 5, which offer minimal support.
Additionally, 7,194 students are self-sponsored and only qualify for upkeep loans, without scholarships.
Impact on Other Students
For some students, the financial strain has overshadowed the joy of university admission. For instance, Julian Kathure was placed at Kisii University to study ecotourism and hospitality management but sought a transfer to Bachelor of Education due to her family’s financial situation and the job prospects in her initial field.
Despite being placed in Band 3, Kathure’s family struggles to afford her Sh36,720 annual tuition fees, compounded by her mother’s illness and the death of her father in 2012.
They live on borrowed land in Meru County, and her relative, who was listed as a guardian, criticized the Helb classification process.
In Kisii County, Harry Omwancha, placed in Band 4, faces similar uncertainties about joining Masinde Muliro University to study computer science.
His father, already burdened with the education costs of two other university-enrolled children, expressed frustration over being forced to sell land and hold fundraisers to meet educational expenses. This has left the family in a precarious financial situation.
Other Struggling Students
Other students share similar struggles. Veronica Sherly, admitted to Rongo University for a Bachelor of Education, had hoped for government support but found it insufficient to ease her mother’s financial burden.
In Trans Nzoia County, Emmanuel Omong’oluk was placed in Band 2 despite his parents being casual laborers.
He is set to join Moi University for a Bachelor of Education (Arts) but faces financial difficulties. Likewise, Gabriel Junior Wamalwa, placed in Band 4, must pay Sh42,000 per semester at Kisii University despite his father’s modest income.
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Joshua Kemei, from Chepokoiyo Village, is another example. Admitted to Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology for a degree in Geomatic Engineering and Geospatial Information Systems, Kemei’s parents, who perform odd jobs, struggle to support his education.
Kemei, who is placed in Band 2, expressed confusion over how to raise money for his basic needs for university.
Lastly, Shadrack Kisheunet from West Pokot County, placed in Band 4, has Sh60,000 in outstanding fees from secondary school but must join Bomet University College this week. His former principal had allowed him to defer fee payment, adding to the family’s financial burden.
University Admission Joy Dimmed by Financial Burden of New Funding Model
