Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has issued a fresh update on the progress of the discussions on the university education funding model.
Speaking during the inauguration ceremony of Tharaka University’s first Chancellor, Professor Emeritus Ratemo Michieka, Ogamba revealed that the government had disbursed Ksh4.2 billion in loans and upkeep for students across public universities in the country.
“I’m happy to announce that we are forming two committees this week to engage in the robust discussions to ensure that the funding model does not disadvantage any student in their bid to access higher education,” Ogamba said.
He stated that the multi-stakeholder forum, which will also involve students, will review the progress and effectiveness of the university funding model and assess the veracity of the Means Testing Instrument (MTI).
Additionally, CS Ogamba disclosed that the two committees will also determine the cost of all programmes offered by public universities.
The committees will also evaluate the student appeal mechanisms to ensure that the banding system accurately reflects the economic realities of the households.
Additionally, the committees will analyse the structure of loans including interest rates, grace periods and repayment duration.
Student admissions
“I am happy to report that all students who have reported to various public universities in Kenya for their first year of study have been enrolled even as the government disburses their loans and scholarships,” Ogamba added.
The CS spoke after averting a nationwide public universities’ strike which had been planned for Monday, September 9, 2024. In an earlier statement, Ogamba called on the students to give room for negotiations on the university funding model.
“To allow room for this open consultative process, the university student leadership is requested to call off the demonstrations scheduled for 9th September 2024. Thus, for greater efficiency and to achieve meaningful student participation and involvement, the Ministry is constituting two time-bound Working Committees that will draw membership from the student leadership, experts, and other relevant stakeholders,” Ogamba said.
The students had complained that the Means Testing Instrument (MTI) was faulty and had banded needy students into categories in which they were unable to fund their learning.
Additionally, the students decried the tedious appeal process, stating that those in charge of the appeals were unresponsive to their needs on time.
While some students proceeded with the planned demos, a great number of schools remained peaceful after the CS announced the formation of a 25-member committee to look into the university funding model.
