Private Universities Demand Sh31.4 Billion from Government Amid Funding Crisis
In the 2018-2019 academic year, the government initiated a program to place students in private universities and partially cover their tuition fees. However, the government failed to fulfill its complete obligation, leading to private universities claiming outstanding bills totaling Sh31.4 billion.
Ms. Jeniffer Bwari expressed her frustration, stating, “Up to now, I don’t know the amount owed to the university for my son’s education.” She highlighted that she paid the expected fees, yet her son is now at home without proof of completion.
ALSO READ: CS Machogu Summoned Over Ksh.883M Irregularly Disbursed To Private Universities
Private universities, represented by the Kenya Association of Private Universities (Kapu), have written to Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu, requesting the payment of the outstanding Sh31.4 billion. Additionally, they are seeking an increase in funds allocated to students for the 2024-2025 academic year.
The Budget Policy Statement allocates Sh1,774,791,604 to private universities for financing government-sponsored students, resulting in a differentiated unit cost (DUC) of 10.12 percent, according to Kapu. The DUC represents the total cost of individual educational programs, with the government responsible for 80 percent and the student and university covering the remainder.
Although a new funding model was introduced for students entering university in September last year, the previous model still applies to continuing students. Kapu Treasurer Prof Washington Okeyo emphasized the need to enhance the allocation for this financial year to 30 percent DUC for private universities, citing the challenges they face in educating government-sponsored students.
A letter from Prof Washington Okeyo to Mr. Machogu underscores the importance of intervention for the sake of Kenyan students studying in private universities.
ALSO READ: New Law to Halt Govt Funding for Private Universities
Thirty-two private universities participated in the program, offering programs with costs ranging from Sh144,000 to Sh504,000 per academic year for arts and science-based programs.
Geoffrey Monari, CEO of the Universities Fund, confirmed the outstanding amount owed to universities, indicating that some students in private universities, such as Uzima University, faced discontinuation. Efforts are underway to release funds to assist these students in completing their studies, pending consideration.
Under the funding model introduced last year, both public and private universities must declare program costs, signing a memorandum of understanding with the government. These costs are published on the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (Kuccps) to guide student applications. The Pending Bills Verification Committee at the National Treasury is currently reviewing the situation.
ALSO READ: Fired TSC Teacher Defied Odds To Open Top Private University
Private Universities Demand Sh31.4 Billion from Government Amid Funding Crisis
