On Tuesday morning, President William Ruto met with vice-chancellors of public universities and principals of constituent colleges at State House, Nairobi, to evaluate the new funding model introduced on May 3, 2023. During the meeting, President Ruto confirmed the positive impact of the funding model on addressing the financial challenges facing higher education institutions in Kenya.
President William Ruto emphasized the supportive feedback from university leaders regarding the new approach. “The vice-chancellors confirmed that the financing model is working and in three years time will sort out the financial challenges facing our universities,” he stated. This assurance highlights the model’s potential to alleviate the economic burdens that have long affected these institutions, ensuring a more sustainable allocation of resources.
A critical component of the new funding model is its focus on supporting students from extremely poor backgrounds. “It is aimed at primarily benefiting students from extremely poor backgrounds,” President Ruto affirmed. Under the model, learners from vulnerable and extremely needy families have equal opportunities to access university education. “Needy students will receive government scholarships of up to 53 per cent and loans of up to 40 per cent,” he explained. This comprehensive support system ensures that parents will only need to cover 7 per cent of the total cost of their children’s university education.
The model also extends similar benefits to those joining Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions. Students in TVETs will receive government scholarships covering up to 50 per cent of the costs, with loans contributing 30 per cent. As a result, households are responsible for just 20 per cent of the expenses.
The government has reiterated its commitment to enhancing budgetary support for higher education. “The Government is committed to enhancing budgetary support for the differentiated unit cost for continuing students,” President Ruto declared. This promise underscores the government’s focused effort on stabilizing funding for ongoing university programs, ensuring continuity and quality of education for current students.
President Ruto’s unveiling of the new university and TVET funding model reflects a strategic initiative to foster an inclusive and accessible higher education system. By reducing financial barriers, the model aims to empower students from disadvantaged backgrounds, ensuring that financial constraints do not impede their academic and professional aspirations.
The meeting at State House underscores the government’s proactive approach in monitoring and refining its policies to meet the evolving needs of the education sector. President Ruto’s confirmation of the new funding model’s success marks a step towards resolving the financial issues in Kenya’s universities and TVETs. With enhanced budgetary support and targeted financial assistance, the model promises to pave the way for a brighter and more inclusive future for higher education in the country.
