Why MPs Demand a Revised Fee Structure for University Students.
Members of Parliament (MPs) have called on the Ministry of Education to issue new university fee structures. They want these structures to show only the amount parents need to pay after accounting for government loans. This demand arises from concerns that the current fee structures, which display the total amount, have scared parents and demoralized students. As a result, some students have even dropped out due to the perceived high costs.
The MPs argue that the Ministry should provide fee structures indicating only what parents need to pay per semester. Furthermore, displaying the total cost for the entire course has caused undue stress and confusion among parents and students. For instance, Moiben MP Phyllis Bartoo illustrated this by describing a parent in a rural setting facing a bill of Sh1.2 million for two university-bound children. Consequently, such a large sum appears insurmountable, causing anxiety and financial strain.
In a meeting with Principal Secretary for Higher Education and Research Beatrice Inyangala, the National Assembly committee on education strongly emphasized the need for a new fee structure by July 31. This timing aims to give parents ample preparation time. Furthermore, the committee chairman, Julius Melly, reaffirmed their commitment to this directive, clearly stating they would not back down.
For example, if a student in tier one of the new government model receives 95 percent funding, the university should only inform the parents of the remaining 5 percent, broken down per semester. “Fee is paid for a service offered. Why would you send a parent a fee structure for five years if your intention is not to scare them?” Melly questioned.
Luanda MP Dick Maungu shared a story of a student set to join Masinde Muliro University for an engineering course, facing a Sh4 million fee for five years. Consequently, the student’s mother, who was working odd jobs, couldn’t afford it, and therefore, the student considered dropping out. Maungu stressed the need to offer hope by noting that, with 95 percent government funding, the student should only pay Sh120,000 over five years.
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Daniel Mugendi, chairman of the public universities’ vice chancellors’ committee, acknowledged that current admission letters had caused panic. In addition, he assured MPs that institutions would issue new letters in line with the committee’s directives. “We have agreed to send structured letters. Parents will only pay what households should pay,” he stated.
Dr. Inyangala confirmed that the ministry would release the new fee structures by July 31, ahead of student reporting in August and September. However, Siaya Woman Representative Christine Ombaka warned that the move might have unintended consequences. Some students had already given up, and some parents had sold properties and paid the full initial amount. Ombaka questioned whether those parents would get refunds.
Inyangala assured MPs that universities have a structured refund process and that those who had overpaid could seek refunds.
Recently, students and parents were shocked by the high fees listed in admission letters from various universities. These fee structures showed the total amount for each course without considering government support, leading to widespread distress.
In conclusion, MPs have demanded a revised university fee structure to alleviate the financial burden on parents and students. By showing only the payable amount after government loans, they aim to reduce anxiety and prevent students from dropping out due to perceived high costs. therefore, the Ministry of Education is set to release these new fee structures by July 31, ensuring parents have time to prepare. This change promises to offer much-needed clarity and relief to many families.
Why MPs Demand a Revised Fee Structure for University Students.
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