How Much Degree Will Cost Under Ruto’s New Funding Formula.
President William Ruto has introduced a new funding formula for universities and technical and vocational education and training (TVET) institutions in Kenya, which is set to increase the burden on households.
Despite previous assurances that fees would not be raised, calculations based on the cost of university programmes suggest that families will have to pay more. The President unveiled four categories under which students will be funded: vulnerable, extremely needy, needy and less needy.
The government will fully fund vulnerable and extremely needy students, but those in the needy and less needy categories are likely to have to take out larger loans from the Higher Education Loans Board (Helb) than they would have previously, as they will receive less in government scholarship.
Previously, all government-sponsored students were entitled to automatic funding of 80% of the unit cost, regardless of their family background. However, this has now been removed and funding will be based on the family’s economic status.
Students admitted to more expensive courses will pay more from the family kitty than those in less expensive programmes. For instance, a bachelor’s degree in dentistry will cost Sh720,000, while a bachelor of arts degree will cost Sh144,000.
The new funding formula has been criticised by some parents, who believe that the burden on households will be higher than before.
Charles Ringera, the CEO of the Higher Education Loans Board, has stated that a means testing instrument will be used to determine the economic status of students, and that household earnings will be verified by local leaders and by the Kenya Revenue Authority and the Registrar of Persons.
Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu has said that the government will fund all qualified students in public universities, but those attending private universities will not be eligible for government scholarships. They can, however, apply for Helb loans.
ClusterSubject areaBachelor’s degree cost per year (Sh)NeedyLess needylaMedicine Pre-clinical360,000190,800144,000lbMedicine Clinical720,000381,600288,000llaDentistry Pre-clinical360,000190,800144,000llbDentistry Clinical720,000381,600288,000IllaVeterinary medicine Pre-clinical324,000171,720129,600IIIbVeterinary medicine Clinical564,000298,920225,600IVaPharmacy Pre-clinical324,000171,720129,600IVbPharmacy Clinical504,000267,120201,600VaArchitectural Studies Part360,000190,800144,000VbArchitectural Studies Professional (Part 2)432,000228,960172,800VIEngineering, Surveying396,000209,880158,400VIIThe Built Environment and Design360,000190,800144,000ConstructionReal EstateUrban And Regional PlanningLand scape ArchitectureDesign ComputingVIIIAgriculture, Health Sciences, Food Sciences, Natural324,000171,720129,600Resource Management and the Natural EnvironmentAgricultureFood Science & TechnologyMedical Laboratory Science & TechnologyAnimal ScienceNursingClinical MedicineRadiographyAgribusiness ManagementSport ScienceFoods and NutritionMedical PsychologyPhysical TherapyPublic HealthEnvironmental HealthCommunity Health & DevelopmentWildlife Science & ManagementIXApplied Sciences & Education (Science & Technology)288,000152,640115,200How Much Degree Will Cost Under Ruto’s New Funding Formula.
Overall, while the new funding formula aims to ensure that students from disadvantaged backgrounds receive more funding for their studies, it appears that households will bear a greater burden.
The means testing instrument should ensure that funding is distributed fairly, but some parents may still be concerned about the level of support they will receive.
How Much Degree Will Cost Under Ruto’s New Funding Formula.
