Govt to Take Stern Action Against Universities Planning to Increase Fees
The CEO of the University Fund, Geoffrey Monari, has expressed concern over a rumored fee increase.
Monari has stated that the government signed a Memorandum of Understanding with all the universities prohibiting them from increasing fees.
He warned that the Ministry of Education would take stern action against universities planning to defy the government directive.
“Under the new funding model, which is student-centered and quality-driven, the government will fund individual students based on their level of financial need, and no one will be denied funding,” Monari assured.
Principal Secretary of the State Department of Basic Education Belio Kipsang refuted claims that the new financing model for university education has made higher education expensive and exclusive to the wealthy, stating that Kenyans should learn to embrace change.
While noting that many students will benefit from the new model, with others receiving full university scholarships, the PS stated that it was the best and should be supported.
Kipsang, speaking in Thika, Kiambu County, stated that approximately 45,000 students will receive free education through state sponsorship, and additional students will receive loans and bursaries from the Higher Education Loans Board (Helb).
Kipsang, speaking to parents, students, and teachers at Chania Boys High School during a fundraiser for the construction of additional classrooms and dormitories, refuted claims that the government has increased university tuition.
As competency-based education is aligned, the government will thoroughly implement the recommendations of the Presidential Working Group on Education Reform, he said.
Legislators Ndindi Nyoro, chairperson of the Parliamentary Budget Committee, and Alice Ng’ang’a (Thika Town) supported the PS.
“I want to assure everyone that we have not increased university education fees under the new funding paradigm. In actuality, for the first time in history, 45,000 students will attend university tuition-free. Others will receive funding through Helb loans and scholarships, according to the PS.
He praised the Parliamentary Budget Committee for increasing funding for university education from Sh44 billion to Sh80 billion annually, stating that this will allow more students to pursue their ambitions.
Nyoro explained that under the new funding system, more students from disadvantaged backgrounds will have access to higher education than before.
“What is occurring is that the state will entirely sponsor the neediest students. Helb will provide loans and fellowships to the remaining students, as has always been the case. Therefore, these complaints are false, stated Nyoro.
Ms. Ng’ang’a stated that the new funding paradigm was met with opposition because many individuals lacked accurate information.
Those who assert that university tuition has increased are not telling the truth. Ms. Ng’ang’a remarked, “There is always resistance to new ways of doing things.”
Under the new model, the amount of funding allocated to each student will depend on the household’s monthly income.
Concerns have been expressed regarding the criteria that will be used to identify those students with the greatest financial need.
Students have also complained that universities have increased tuition for a variety of degree programs and that they may not benefit from the funding model.
Govt to Take Stern Action Against Universities Planning to Increase Fees
