Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos has issued a directive to all public universities in Kenya to admit all qualified students without any exceptions, regardless of their financial status.
This comes after an uproar from students and parents who expressed concerns over the new funding model, which had led to some students being denied admission due to their inability to pay fees upfront.
In a statement released on Wednesday, August 21, 2024, the Ministry of Education emphasized that no student should be turned away from university due to an inability to pay the household contribution immediately.
The directive aims to ensure that all students who have qualified for university admission are guaranteed a place at their chosen institutions.
The new directive from CS Migos follows widespread dissatisfaction from students and parents over the implementation of the new university funding model.
Many families have struggled to meet the financial demands set by universities under this model, leading to some students being turned away despite having met the academic qualifications for admission.
Recognizing the challenges faced by families, the Ministry of Education intervened to address the issue.
"The Ministry wishes to inform all students who have qualified for university admission that they are guaranteed a place in their chosen institutions, irrespective of their ability to immediately pay the household contribution," read part of the official notice from the ministry.
This decision brings relief to many students who were on the verge of losing their university placements due to financial constraints. It also ensures that the dreams of higher education for deserving students are not hindered by their immediate economic circumstances.
In addition to ensuring that all qualified students are admitted, CS Migos directed university vice-chancellors to facilitate suitable accommodation arrangements for first-year students.
The ministry assured students and their families that necessary fees, including those for accommodation, will be covered once the government disburses the upkeep component of student funding.
The Ministry of Education is currently working with the National Treasury to expedite the release of these funds.
This move is intended to ease the financial burden on both universities and students, ensuring that no one misses out on accommodation or other essential services while waiting for the funding to be processed.
To further assist students and families, the Ministry has extended the university application period to December 31, 2024. This extension provides more time for students who may need to reconsider their placement or appeal for adjustments in their financial aid packages.
The Ministry encourages students who feel they have been unfairly categorized in higher financial contribution bands to reach out to the relevant teams or make changes through the online portal.
This extension is a welcome relief for students who may have felt rushed or pressured during the initial application process. It also allows for more careful consideration of individual circumstances, which is essential given the significant impact that financial classification can have on a student’s university experience.
The directive from the Ministry of Education followed a push from key figures in the National Assembly. Speaker Moses Wetangula had called on Education Principal Secretary Beatrice Inyangala to provide clarity on the issue.
He urged the Ministry to make a public statement ensuring that no student would be turned away from university due to unpaid school fees.
During her appearance in Parliament, PS Inyangala explained that the government is committed to supporting students, even those who have been placed in higher financial contribution bands.
She acknowledged that many students from low-income families ended up in the more expensive bands due to the classification criteria used, which included the type of high school attended.
Inyangala noted that students who attended national schools or private institutions were often placed in higher bands despite coming from households with limited financial resources.
"Without reliable data on income, it is very difficult for us to use income precisely to predict the needs of students. However, we are working to address these discrepancies to ensure fairer outcomes," she stated.
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