Government Defends New University Funding Model Amidst Controversy.
In response to recent claims about rising university fees, the Ministry of Education has firmly defended the new university funding model. Speaking in Shinyalu Constituency, Kakamega County, Higher Education Principal Secretary Beatrice Inyangala assured the public that the government has not increased program costs.
Inyangala clarified that the government covers 95 percent of the costs for families with the greatest need. She emphasized, “There has been debate about whether we have raised program fees, but I want to assure parents and students that we have not increased these costs.” According to Inyangala, parents receive detailed letters outlining the full cost of programs. Therefore, each household will only need to contribute a small portion, amounting to just 5 percent of the total program cost.
For families needing substantial assistance, the government covers 95 percent of the program costs. Inyangala further explained that for the second tier of support, the government provides 90 percent, while those in the third tier receive 80 percent. This tiered approach ensures that support is tailored to the varying needs of families.
Over 90,000 students out of the 122,000 expected to enroll in September have already applied for government funding. As a result, the Ministry has extended the application deadline for 2023 KCSE students joining universities in the 2024-25 academic year by an additional 10 days, now closing on August 15, 2024.
Professor Daniel Mugendi, Chairman of the Vice-Chancellors Forum from Public Universities in Kenya and Vice-Chancellor of Embu University, endorsed the new funding model. He noted, “We are no longer charging Sh16,000 as tuition fees. Additionally, we view this new university funding model as a positive step for universities.”
Read also:
Similarly, Professor Solomon Shibairo, Vice-Chancellor of Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST), praised the funding model. He commented, “With this new funding model, universities can pay their staff on time. Many institutions are emerging from debt, and we anticipate that within three years, our universities will operate smoothly and remain financially stable.”
Overall, the new university funding model aims to address the financial challenges faced by many families while supporting universities in managing their budgets effectively. The government’s commitment to covering a significant portion of program costs for those in need helps ensure that education remains accessible.
Government Defends New University Funding Model Amidst Controversy.
Check for Daily Updates
Follow us on Telegram