How the New University Funding Model is Shattering Dreams.
The recent changes to the university funding model in Kenya have left students and their families in a dilemma, choosing affordable courses over their preferred fields of study. This predicament emerged after the introduction of the new funding model last year, a shift that has significantly impacted first-year students and is anticipated to affect future cohorts even more as tuition fees continue to rise.
With the opening of the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) system, many students and parents are preparing for inter-university transfers. This trend highlights the desperation among families to find financially viable educational paths. The new model has forced students to reevaluate their choices based on affordability rather than passion or aptitude.
Government’s Role and the New Funding Model
Under the revised funding system, the government no longer provides guaranteed sponsorships for students. Instead, funding is allocated annually based on assessments by the Universities Fund (UF) and the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB). President William Ruto’s recent meeting with university vice-chancellors emphasized an evaluation of this model, with state officials expressing optimism about its potential to improve the status of public universities over the next three years.
However, the reality for students is starkly different. Delays in last year’s funds disbursement have left many without maintenance money, leading to accrued arrears for essentials like rent. This year, public universities received 134,743 applications, but a significant number of eligible students opted for certificate programs instead of degree courses, largely due to financial constraints.
Personal Struggles Under the New Model
Joseph Raymond, a 19-year-old aspiring human resource manager, illustrates the harsh reality of the new funding model. Despite selecting Maseno University for its lower tuition (Sh183,600), he found himself at the more expensive Kisii University (Sh206,635). With his mother, a small-scale farmer, unable to afford the higher fees, Raymond is reconsidering his options, possibly switching to a less preferred but cheaper program in economics with IT at Maseno University.
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Similarly, Leonard Kanga, a first-year student at Turkana University College, faces uncertainty about continuing his education. Initially optimistic about the new funding model, Kanga chose a Bachelor of Education program but now doubts his ability to sustain his studies due to financial limitations. His experience highlights the challenges many students face, unable to secure funding for their desired courses and forced to settle for diploma and certificate programs instead.
Broader Implications and Future Outlook
These individual stories reflect a broader trend among Kenyan students who are increasingly choosing affordable courses over their dreams. The vice-chancellor of the University of Nairobi, Prof. Stephen Kiama Gitahi, noted an increased capacity for student intake, yet many programs remain underfilled. This imbalance underscores the financial barriers preventing students from pursuing their preferred fields of study.
Furthermore, the Helb’s budget shortfall of Sh11.4 billion for the 2024-2025 academic year means that only 17.2% of first-year students enrolling in August and September 2024, along with all continuing students, will receive support. The remaining students will have to find ways to finance their education independently.
The National Assembly Committee on Education and the senior secretary for higher education, Beatrice Inyangala, will discuss the funding system’s future. Their decisions will crucially determine whether the current model can be adjusted to better support students and prevent further erosion of educational dreams.
The new university funding model in Kenya has created significant financial challenges for students and their families, compelling them to choose affordable courses over their desired fields of study. The government’s assessment-based funding allocation has led to delays and uncertainties, pushing students like Joseph Raymond and Leonard Kanga to reconsider their academic paths. As the Helb budget shortfall looms, the future of many students remains uncertain, making the upcoming discussions by educational authorities critical for addressing these pressing issues.
How the New University Funding Model is Shattering Dreams.
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