Parents to Decide University Enrollment for their Children
The decision of which universities and colleges their children will attend after the placement process will be left to parents, according to Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu.
Speaking before the Public Investments Committee on Governance and Education in Nairobi, Machogu stated that all 173,000 students who scored a mean grade of C+ or above will be admitted to public universities.
He clarified, however, that parents will have the final say on whether their children attend public universities or not. They will have the option to consider the facilities, courses, and cost implications before making a decision.
Smaller institutions and private universities have expressed excitement over the government’s decision, arguing that the new formula will trigger competitiveness.
They contend that with courses and costs revealed, parents will have the freedom to decide where they wish to enroll their children, in case they are unsure of scholarships.
Before sending money to universities, the government will have calculated and known the percentages of each category, and parents will have the final say.
“The VCs have expressed concern that public universities have been experiencing shortfalls in admission and placement despite the institutions having enough capacity,” said Committee chairman Jack Wamboka.
According to figures presented, the capacity in public universities stands at 194,000, while the number of students who merit university entry cut off are 173,000.
On Monday, President William Ruto unveiled a new plan of funding students in universities, which will establish the needs of different households and fund them appropriately.
Moving forward, there will be four categories of funding students. Learners from vulnerable families, comprising those without any income, total orphans, and those with incomes below Sh23,000, will receive full sponsorship and loans without their households paying anything.
Those who are less vulnerable or average will receive 59% of the total cost through scholarships while accessing a 34% loan, and their families will contribute 7%.
The public universities will declare their capacities, courses, and costs online while KUCCPS will publish and open the portal for students to decide where to seek admission.
Higher Education Principal Secretary Beatrice Inyangala said the University Fund Board has been progressively building its capacity to fully actualize its mandate.
Meanwhile, the Vice Chancellors have indicated that all public universities and their constituent colleges have enough capacity to handle the students.
Parents to Decide University Enrollment for their Children