Parents to Pay Reduced Fees In New Funding Model – University Vice-Chancellors
Prof. Daniel Mugendi, Vice Chairman of the Vice Chancellors of Public Universities in Kenya, refuted claims that the government’s new funding model for students who are eligible for university placement through the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) is going to raise the financial burden of school fees on parents.
Mugendi expressed surprise on Wednesday’s episode of Citizen TV’s The Big Conversation that the issue of school tuition is being raised when, according to him, the new model does not increase the cost of university education.
Mugendi, who also holds the position of vice chancellor at Embu University, expressed his astonishment at the discussion surrounding fee hikes.
He remarked that the present moment is exceedingly opportune, as tuition fees have experienced an increase. He further elucidated that the government’s proposed model is inherently advantageous, benefiting all parties involved.
The new model states that the level of financing for each student will depend on his or her family’s monthly income and that, after receiving admission letters, each student will apply individually for scholarships and loans.
It goes into effect with the university admission of 2022 KCSE candidates and aims to channel higher education aid directly to individual students based on meticulously curated criteria.
The government has classified those seeking financial assistance into four categories: the vulnerable, the severely needy, the needy, and the less needy.
Under the guidelines of the Higher Education Loans Board, students who fall into the vulnerable and extremely needy category will receive full government funding for their studies in the form of scholarships and loans, while those who are deemed needy and less needy will receive 93% government funding, with the students bearing 7% of the tuition costs.
Students in need are eligible for government scholarships of up to 53 percent and financing of up to 40 percent.
Mugendi further elaborated that by opting for the most economical program, which is priced at approximately Ksh. 122,600, households would make an annual contribution of only Ksh. 8,500. He provocatively questioned, “Could one fathom a more economical proposition?”
In reference to opting for the premium medical program, the household’s yearly contribution would amount to merely Ksh. 42,800. As a result, when the subject of increased fees comes up, Mugendi emphasizes how unclear the nature and scope of the proposed increments are.
Mugendi added that the old funding model included additional payments that increased the total amount of tuition fees parents would pay, and that the previous amount was significantly higher than the fees reflected by the new funding model.
Mugendi noted that the previous payment structure of Ksh. 16,000 underwent changes over time. Universities adapted and introduced additional charges such as statutory deductions, various fees, and expenses related to computer usage and internet access.
As a result, the cumulative amount paid by students extended beyond the initial Ksh. 16,000. On average, the revised total ranged between Ksh. 40,000 and Ksh. 50,000.
Thus, when evaluating the present payment framework, it becomes evident that students are, in fact, incurring comparatively lower costs.
Parents to Pay Reduced Fees In New Funding Model – University Vice-Chancellors
