Government Makes U-Turn on Private University Placement Amendment
The government’s concern about potential financial losses in capitation fees has led to a reversal of its stance on a proposal that would have tasked the Kenya University and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) board with placing all students in both public and private universities.
The proposal aimed not only to secure state funding but also to entrust KUCCPS with coordinating placements to ensure standardization and quality control of courses and student qualifications.
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Despite this, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula agreed to the request by the leader of the majority, Kimani Ichung’wah, to withdraw the proposed amendments to the Universities Act of 2012.
These proposed changes, part of the Statute Law (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill 2023, were included in a government-sponsored Omnibus Bill affecting 17 Acts, including the Universities Act.
Speaker Wetang’ula announced, “I have acceded to the request by the leader of the majority to withdraw the provision as contained in the Bill.”
The specific amendment targeted section 56 (1) (a) of the Universities Act, intending to grant the placement board the responsibility of placing all students, not just government-sponsored ones, in universities and colleges.
This proposed change raised concerns, leading to further consultations and engagement within the sector, as mentioned by Mr. Ichung’wah in his letter to the Speaker.
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The Public Investments Committee on Education and Governance is currently examining a related matter concerning the funding of university education in the country.
The government’s funding to public and private universities follows the Differential Unit Cost (DUC) model, allocating budgets based on the number of undergraduate students registered for state-funded regular programs and their chosen courses. State funding covers 80 percent of the unit cost, with students financing the remaining balance.
Allowing the KUCCPS board to place students in all institutions would have affected private universities, depriving them of government-sponsored students’ current capitation. Proprietors of private universities would no longer receive funds for students who opted for private institutions through the KUCCPS portal.
The government initiated a pilot program in 2016, admitting government-sponsored students to private universities to address limited space in public facilities.
Over 80,000 government-sponsored students are currently enrolled in private universities, with the Omnibus Bill proceeding without the withdrawn provision. The funding model remains a crucial factor in supporting both public and private universities in Kenya.
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Government Makes U-Turn on Private University Placement Amendment
