The Ministry of Education has announced that more than 100,000 students have applied for the newly introduced university funding model.
This new approach aims to replace the old system, which provided block funding to universities, with a more personalized method of financial support for individual students.
Principal Secretary for Higher Education, Beatrice Inyangala, shared this update during a session before the National Assembly.
According to Inyangala, 127,623 students have successfully signed up for the new funding system so far. The application period is still open and will remain so until December 21, 2024.
Inyangala emphasized that this new model is designed with principles of fairness and inclusivity. She explained that the previous system, which distributed funds directly to universities based on block grants, did not adequately address individual students' needs.
The new model aims to correct this by offering financial assistance directly to students based on their personal circumstances.
“This new education funding model is founded on principles of equity, inclusivity, and ensuring that no one is left behind,” said PS Inyangala.
Higher Education PS Beatrice Muganda Inyangala speaking during a memorial service at Kenyatta University on March 24, 2024. Photo Beatrice Muganda InyangalaShe highlighted that the new system ensures that students from various socio-economic backgrounds can access higher education and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions, even if they cannot afford the full cost of their programs.
Under this new funding framework, financial assistance is tailored according to each student's needs. The Means Testing Instrument (MTI) is used to evaluate students' financial situations, taking into account factors like family income.
This means that students who come from lower-income families will receive more financial support compared to those from higher-income backgrounds.
Despite the positive changes, there have been challenges in accurately assessing students' financial needs. PS Inyangala noted that there have been discrepancies in the income data provided by students.
Some students, despite having the means to support themselves, have reported very low or no income when applying for financial aid.
For example, about 70% of students have declared their income as Ksh 5,000 or below, which raises concerns about the accuracy of the financial information being provided.
This issue poses a challenge in ensuring that the funds are allocated appropriately to students who genuinely need them.
To address this, the Ministry of Education is working on improving the accuracy of the income data collected. This will help in better aligning the financial aid with the actual needs of the students.
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