University Funding Crisis: Over 234,000 Students Face Uncertain Future.
More than 234,811 university students admitted in 2023 and 2024 now face a precarious future following the High Court’s annulment of President William Ruto’s new university funding model.
The government is exploring options such as limiting funding to 30% of students, increasing the cut-off grade for university admission, or restricting state-funded admissions entirely.
These measures could place additional financial pressure on already struggling students.
High Court Judge Chacha Mwita invalidated the funding model on Friday, terming it unconstitutional and discriminatory.
The judge highlighted that it lacked sufficient public participation despite its profound implications for higher education.
Impacts on Students and Universities
Agnes Wahome, Chief Executive Officer of the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS), warned of dire consequences for students and institutions, describing the situation as highly unfortunate.
Dr. Wahome stated that KUCCPS would revert to placing all students with C+ grades and above in public universities under the Differentiated Unit Cost (DUC) model, the previous funding system.
The annulled funding model, which combined government scholarships and loans based on students’ financial needs, aimed to promote equity in higher education and reduce family financial burdens.
However, due to budgetary constraints, the government was only able to fund students at less than 30% of the recommended allocation. Dr. Wahome warned that this shortfall was deepening university debts and threatening education quality.
Funding Challenges and Potential Policy Changes
Dr. Wahome indicated that the government might consider raising the university admission cut-off grade to limit the number of state-funded students.
Such a shift could compel students, particularly those with C+ and B- grades, to enroll in self-sponsored programs, potentially locking out those from poor backgrounds.
She cautioned that many students from disadvantaged families, especially those in day schools, would be unable to afford higher education.
The funding model’s collapse has caused widespread confusion among students. Mary Wangare, a first-year student at Multimedia University, shared her anxiety about paying fees under the old model while awaiting clarity on the new arrangements.
Similarly, Leonella Nagoya, a student at Maseno University, expressed concerns over the steep fees under Band 5 of the new system, which her family struggled to afford.
Simon Khaemba, a student at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, emphasized the need for refunds for students who paid exorbitant amounts under the previous arrangement.
Broader Implications for Equity and Access
The funding model, introduced by President William Ruto in May 2023, categorized students into five financial bands, offering full funding for the most vulnerable and up to 90% support for less needy students.
Critics, however, argued that the model disproportionately benefited wealthier families and failed to address inclusivity.
Charles Mukhwaya, president of the Kenya Universities Staff Union (KUSU), advocated for a funding system reflecting fairness and inclusivity.
He suggested that public participation during policy formulation could have resolved some of the model’s flaws.
Mukhwaya also proposed restructuring the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) and consolidating scholarships into a single education fund to enhance efficiency and curb corruption.
He urged the government to ensure that public universities remain adequately funded and accessible to all.
Leadership Perspectives and Next Steps
Vice-Chancellors’ Committee Chairperson Prof. Daniel Mugendi noted that university leaders were awaiting legal interpretation of the ruling before making decisions.
Meanwhile, President William Ruto has defended the model, citing its focus on vulnerable students and its potential to stabilize struggling universities.
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In September, he appointed a 129-member committee to review the funding framework, but a workable solution remains elusive.
University Funding Crisis: Over 234,000 Students Face Uncertain Future.
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