Ksh17 Billion University Scholarship Delay: A Crisis for 208,000 Students.
The Ksh17 billion university scholarship delay is a ticking time bomb. 208,000 incoming first-year students face uncertainty as the government fails to allocate funds in the 2025/26 budget. This delay threatens higher education access, especially for needy students who rely on government-sponsored scholarships.
Education is the backbone of economic growth. Scholarships ensure equal opportunities for students from low-income backgrounds. Without funding, thousands may miss university placements or drop out due to financial struggles.
The National Assembly’s Education Committee, led by Tinderet MP Julius Melly, has warned that the budget proposal does not include the Ksh17 billion needed for scholarships. If the government fails to act, students will suffer.
The impact goes beyond missed university placements. Students who cannot afford tuition may:
- Abandon higher education altogether
- Struggle with financial instability
- Lose career opportunities due to lack of qualifications
Scholarships are not loans. Unlike HELB, they do not require repayment. They are designed to support students who cannot afford tuition. Removing them widens the gap between the rich and the poor.
The crisis extends beyond universities. The government plans to cut capitation funds to finance national examinations. The proposed reductions include:
- Ksh3 billion from secondary schools
- Ksh2 billion from junior schools
- Ksh900 million from primary schools
These cuts will weaken education quality and affect learning outcomes.
Additionally, the committee is pushing for Ksh7.3 billion to transition 20,000 intern teachers to permanent and pensionable terms. Their contracts end later this year, and securing their positions will improve job stability and instructional quality.
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Additionally, Ksh1.9 billion is needed to hire 2,000 instructors for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) centers. The current staffing gap stands at 6,000 instructors nationwide.
Melly stressed that TVET expansion is vital for skills development and national growth.
The Education Committee warns that failing to secure funding will undermine Kenya’s education agenda. One member noted that the current budget figures are unsustainable and could derail learning opportunities.
Melly urged lawmakers to act swiftly, stating, “If we don’t secure this funding, thousands of dreams will be deferred, and our education system will suffer deeply.”
The Ksh17 billion scholarship delay threatens higher education access for 208,000 students. Without urgent intervention, many learners may struggle to enroll in September 2025.
The government must prioritize education funding to ensure fair access, teacher stability, and quality learning for all students.
Ksh17 Billion University Scholarship Delay: A Crisis for 208,000 Students.