The directive came after an uproar from students and parents who complained that universities were turning them away for failing to pay school fees as per the new model.
The Ministry of Education on Wednesday, August 21 instructed all universities to admit all qualified first-year university students unconditionally.
In a letter from the Ministry, Education Cabinet Secretary (CS) Julius Migosi Ogamba elaborated that all students who have qualified for university admission are guaranteed a place in their chosen institutions, irrespective of their ability to immediately pay the household contribution.
The directive came after an uproar from students and parents who complained that universities were turning them away for failing to pay school fees as per the new model.
Vice-Chancellors of public universities have therefore been directed to admit all qualified students without exception.
A collage of public universities in Kenya. /VIRAL TEA KE
“Additionally, the Vice-Chancellors are required to facilitate suitable accommodation arrangements for first-year students, with the guarantee that the necessary fees will be paid upon disbursement of the upkeep component. The Ministry is working with the National Treasury to expedite the release of the requisite funds,” the Ministry directed.
The CS noted that the directives reflect the Government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that no deserving student is denied the opportunity to pursue higher education due to financial constraints.
“Students with questions or appeals regarding fees and funding are encouraged to contact our dedicated teams at universities during admission or through the Higher Education Portal at www.hef.co.ke. Appeals will be processed within three weeks from the date of application, ensuring timely financial support for students in need,” he added.
The CS further announced that the deadline for applications has been extended to December 31, 2024, to accommodate those who may face delays.
Therefore, students aggrieved by the band they have been categorised in are encouraged to contact teams or make the changes through the portal.
“As a Ministry, we welcome recommendations from Parliament and other stakeholders on strengthening the New Funding Model and improving the Means Testing Instrument.
“For sustainable financing of higher education, we shall earnestly work together with all stakeholders to develop a legal and policy framework that consolidates the various bursary and scholarship schemes provided by different entities, such as NG-CDF, County Governments, the Ministry of Education and other public and private players. Combining these public resources will enhance equity and affordability in education and also strengthen efficiency by eliminating wastage,” he added.
The directive came after National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula asked Education Principal Secretary (PS) Beatrice Inyangala to issue a statement clarifying that no student would be chased from the universities for not paying school fees.
Inyangala, who appeared in the National Assembly, had explained that the state should issue the directive barring VCs from sending away students and their parents, further noting that a majority of the students ended up in bands 4 and 5 despite having less household income due to parameters employed in classifying the students.
She explained that the students had landed in the two expensive bands since the high school they attended was a classifying parameter and yet the majority attended national schools where school fees went above Ksh53,000.
“Without reliable data on income, it is very difficult for us to use income precisely to predict for the time being. However, I have data here from the National Examination Council for the results of the students who are now joining the University,” she explained.
“According to this data, 84.8 per cent of the students who scored C+ (plus) and above studied in national schools. We can see that this admission is skewed towards national schools.” Inyangala also believed that some of the students also studied in private schools.
