Why Students Are Missing Out on Scholarships Under the Revised Funding System – Felix Koskei
Head of Public Service, Felix Koskei, highlighted a significant issue where numerous students miss out on scholarships and loans under the Higher Education Funding model due to providing incorrect information.
He emphasized that if a student exaggerated their parents’ occupation, such as claiming one was a managing director, they would automatically be placed in Band 5. This band is designated for families with a monthly income exceeding Ksh.120,000.
Koskei stressed the importance of accurate data entry to ensure students are placed in the correct financial category. He explained that elevating one’s status by misreporting parental income would lead to being categorized in a higher income band, which could disqualify them from receiving needed financial assistance.
This issue has surfaced as students express concerns about being placed in incorrect financial categories, which do not align with their family’s economic situation.
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They argued that the new funding model, which allocates resources based on financial need rather than the course selected, introduces a divide between the wealthy and the less fortunate in society.
The model, different from the previous Differentiated Unit Cost system, categorizes families into five income bands based on their monthly earnings.
Government’s Response
In response, Education CS Julius Ogamba instructed universities to admit all students regardless of their financial capacity. During his visit to Mama Ngina High School, he reassured that the new model would ensure every student receives assistance based on their specific needs.
He noted that the government had already released funding to universities, urging students to take advantage of this opportunity.
The CS also acknowledged receiving a strike notice from teachers concerning the full implementation of the second phase of the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
He confirmed that the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) officials were in discussions with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to address these issues, which include the placement of teachers on permanent and pensionable terms and challenges in government resources.
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Higher Education Principal Secretary, Beatrice Inyangala, encouraged students to report to their respective universities on August 26, 2024, without worrying about fees.
She assured that university officials would assist in the scholarship application process, advising students to report any issues through the portal www.hef.co.ke. She committed that all concerns would be resolved within three weeks.
“We encourage you to go the university and report. The VCs will receive and when that amount has been determined, then you will be expected to pay according to the policy,” she said.
Why Students Are Missing Out on Scholarships Under the Revised Funding System – Felix Koskei
