Universities Defy CS Directive and Demand Fees.
Contrary to the directive by Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu, some universities now require first years to make partial fee payments before admission.
However, the Vice Chancellors Committee of Public Universities has refuted these claims. Many students still hold that they have been asked to make partial fee payments as they await to process their scholarships and loans by the higher education fund.
Due to the rising controversy, many students are yet to be admitted to their courses of study, while others are yet to receive school identity cards. As a result, most first-year students in institutions of higher learning cannot access critical university services.
Sources reveal that universities require first-year students to pay at least 7% of their fees, equivalent to the household contribution in the new higher education funding model.
Through the Higher Education Fund, it is now responsible for providing funding for students after introducing the new model. After realizing that many students had not completed their application, the government extended the application deadline to October 7.
Read also: University Funding Application Deadline Extension
The new model allows students to apply for scholarships, bursaries, and loans.
According to Prof. Daniel Mugendi, no university has demanded students to pay fees before admission. In addition, no student has been admitted to any institution for failure to pay fees. The only fee students must pay upon entry is the accommodation fee.
However, sources reveal that at the Technical University of Mombasa, First years were required to pay 7% fees before admission. Similar scenarios are evident in various institutions of higher learning across the country, including the University of Nairobi, Kenyatta University, and Murang’a University. In some institutions, students are yet to report to school even after the commencement of classes.
The Principal Secretary for higher education has assured parents that institutions of higher learning will adhere to the directive of the Cabinet Secretary and allow students to report to their respective institutions even before their applications are processed.
Read also: Babu Owino on Increased University Fee
Universities Defy CS Directive and Demand Fees.