Comedian and humanitarian activist Eric Omondi has criticised the controversial university funding model.
Eric accused the government of promoting illiteracy through the new funding model. He further urged the Kenya Kwanza regime to cut spending and make education affordable for all citizens.
“They make you stay poor and uneducated… so that they can control you. Cut the spending and make education affordable,” Eric said in a statement on X on Thursday, August 22, 2024.
The university funding model has faced criticism, with many accusing the government of creating discriminatory education policies in the allocation of funds.
Funding model
On August 16, 2024, the Principal Secretary (PS) of the State Department for Higher Education and Research, Ministry of Education Beatrice Inyangala, broke down the four bands created by the government in the funding model.
According to the PS, the government will offer a 70 per cent scholarship and a 25 per cent loan in band one; in band two, the students will receive a 60 per cent scholarship and a 10 per cent loan from the government.
“Band 1: The government scholarship will cover 70%, and the loan will cover 25%, making the total support 95%. The family will contribute 5%, and the upkeep loan will be Ksh60,000. BAND 2: The government scholarship will cover 60%, and the loan will cover 30%, making the total support 90%. The family will contribute 10%, and the upkeep loan will be Ksh55,000,” she stated.
For bands three and four, the students will receive 80 per cent and 70 per cent from the government, respectively.
“BAND 3: The government scholarship will cover 50%, and the loan will cover 30%, making the total support 80%. The family will contribute 20%, and the upkeep loan will be Ksh50,000. BAND 4: The government scholarship will cover 40%, and the loan will cover 30%, making the total support 70%. The family will contribute 30%.”
Ruto on the funding model
William Ruto, while attending the 42nd Graduation Ceremony at the University of Eastern Africa, Baraton, in Nandi County on August 18, 2024, defended the new funding model, stating that the model is designed to guarantee education for vulnerable students.
“The Higher Education Funding Model is designed to ensure vulnerable students receive adequate financing, and guaranteeing education for all. It is a student-centred model,” he said.