CS Machogu Defends University Funding Model, Says It Will Help The Poor
Ezekiel Mochogu, Cabinet Secretary for Education, has vehemently defended the country’s new university funding model, claiming that it is intended to be the most effective answer for Kenyan students, particularly those suffering challenges, notably those from disadvantaged homes.
During his visit to Kisii University on Tuesday, October 7, Mochugu stated that the newly implemented model is critical to correcting inequities and generating possibilities for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
The Education Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Machogu, outlined the need to identify and support students from disadvantaged backgrounds by employing a scientifically proven means test method.
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According to Machogu, this approach aims to categorize students based on their level of need, allowing those from impoverished backgrounds to have significantly reduced fees.
Machogu criticized the former funding system’s differentiated unit cost (DUC) method, calling it “flawed and unworkable.”
The CS acknowledged that the original D.U.C model, where the government was to provide 80% of the funding, was flawed and unworkable. Thus, a comprehensive reform was necessary.
The Education Ministry devised a new system and formula to better serve all Kenyan students, particularly those facing disadvantages, especially those from financially challenged backgrounds.
The new funding approach divides students into “PARTS,” with each category reflecting their financial means and needs.
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The Minister then used an example to demonstrate: For instance, a student studying a course worth Ksh 200,000 will pay just Ksh 10,000 per semester.
Machogu emphasized that the means testing instrument is a scientifically validated tool used to assess the level of needs.
Under this instrument, students from disadvantaged backgrounds will have to pay almost nothing, while those from slightly more affluent families will only contribute 5% of their expenses.
Those with greater financial means would contribute more, covering 40% of their educational expenses. This approach ensures that students from different financial backgrounds can access and afford quality education.
Furthermore, Machogu stated that this financial assistance will be provided in the form of scholarships and loans, with the students agreeing to return them once they find job.
The government will now strive to route higher education aid directly to individual students based on carefully curated criteria under the new funding model, which goes into force with the admission of 2022 KCSE candidates to university.
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The government classifies those seeking assistance into four categories: vulnerable, highly needy, needy, and less needy.
Numerous education stakeholders in the nation, however, have criticized the idea and asserted that the government has shifted the burden to students and parents through expensive loans.
Kenyans have also protested about the abrupt increase and huge disparity in university tuition, with one example provided of a government-sponsored engineering course at JKUAT costing Ksh 336,000 per year.
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CS Machogu Defends University Funding Model, Says It Will Help The Poor