Machogu Explains New Funding Model for Public Universities Following HELB Changes
On May 4th, Education stakeholders led by Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu and Principal Secretary Beatrice Inyangala explained the funding criteria for public universities in Kenya.
The model was unveiled on May 3rd by President William Ruto, based on the recommendations of the Education task-force led by Prof Raphael Munavu at State House, Nairobi.
During the presentation, the Ministry officials gave a detailed breakdown of the formula and the means testing that will be used to determine funding.
The means testing instrument comprises eight variables, including parent background, gender, course type, previous school type, expenditure on education, family size and composition, marginalization, and disability.
These variables have been used over the years, and the results are now being linked to other databases to strengthen their validity and reliability.
The PS stated that funding for university courses will be based on four criteria: performance and choice of programme, household income bands, affirmative action, and government priority areas.
Vulnerable students will receive more scholarships and less money in loans, while able students will receive more loans and fewer scholarships.
CS Machogu emphasized that students who receive slots in public universities and then choose to attend private universities will lose their funding.
The government will provide 59% scholarships, 34% loans, and the student will pay only 7%. Vulnerable students such as orphans and those who earn less than Ksh23,000 will receive full government scholarships.
“In the coming financial year 2023/2024, an extra Ksh31.6 billion will be injected into the university sector to support these students and help universities become more sustainable,“ said the PS to the Jack Wamboka-led committee.
Under the new funding model, universities and TVETs will no longer receive block funding in the form of capitation based on a Differentiated Unit Cost.
Instead, funding to students shall combine scholarships, loans, and household contributions on a graduated scale. This change will make the universities more sustainable and give students more funding opportunities.
President Ruto Unveils Student-Centered Funding Model for Public Universities
Machogu Explains New Funding Model for Public Universities Following HELB Changes
