Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba has issued a new directive amid a raging debate on the new university funding model.
The new directive guarantees university admission to all students who qualify for university admission irrespective of their financial abilities.
The Cabinet Secretary said no student should be turned back and directed Vice-Chancellors of public universities to admit all qualified students without exception.
Already, over 130,000 students who are expected to join Universities for their 1st academic year have been awarded funds under the Student-centred funding model.
In a statement, the CS further directed the Vice-Chancellors to facilitate suitable accommodation arrangements for first-year students with the guarantee that the necessary fees will be paid upon the disbursement of the upkeep component.
CS Ogamba stated that the Ministry was working with the National Treasury to expedite the release of the requisite funds.
“These directives reflect the Government’s unwavering commitment to ensure that no deserving student is denied the opportunity to pursue higher education due to financial constraints,” read part of the press release.
The deadline for applications was extended to December 31, 2024, to accommodate those who may face delays.
Students with questions or appeals regarding fees and funding were encouraged to contact universities during admission or through the higher education portal, www.hef.co.ke.
The Cabinet Secretary welcome recommendations from parliament and other stakeholders on strengthening the new funding model and improving the Means Testing Instrument.
The CS said the Ministry will work together with other 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, for sustainable financing of higher education.
Mr Ogamba hinted that combining public resources will enhance equity and affordability in education and also strengthen efficiency by eliminating wastage.
As of August 16, 2024, at least 127,623 students had applied for new university funding.
“In line with the President’s directive, the Ministry is pleased to announce that all universities have rolled out the process of releasing new letters to all the first batch of 125,893 students who have so far applied for loans and scholarships under the Student-Centred Model. The Ministry has directed universities to ensure all letters have reached the First Year students by Monday, August 19th 2024,” Ogamba said in a statement dated August 16, 2024.
“In accordance with the tenets of the Student-Centred Model, students have been awarded scholarships and loans according to their level of need, consistent with any one of the five predetermined bands.”
Read: 3 Key Steps Govt Has Taken To Tackle Concerns Over New University Funding Model
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