University Funding Review Stalled by Budget Deficit as Review Committee Misses Deadline.
The 129-member National Working Committee on the Review of the New University Education Funding Model has yet to present its final report, even though its term ended five weeks ago.
President William Ruto established the committee on September 16, assigning it the task of reviewing the controversial funding model, which has faced criticism for increasing education costs and disadvantaging students from low-income families.
A committee member, speaking anonymously due to a lack of authorisation, revealed that the team had only managed to produce a draft report.
The source cited significant challenges, including insufficient time and resources, as reasons for the delay. The committee had requested an extension as the draft report was supposed to be submitted to the Cabinet Secretary for Education.
The insider explained that inadequate funding, amounting to only Sh5,000 daily for transport, further compounded the issues. On some days, no funds were allocated, leaving the committee with a deficit and reliant on a supplementary budget, which delayed their progress.
Challenges in Operations
According to the source, poor communication and organisational inefficiencies also hindered the committee’s work. The lack of transparency and unclear directives left members uncertain about their financial allocations, forcing them to proceed without adequate guidance.
Join Teachers Updates on Facebook
The process, described as disorganised and opaque, impeded the committee’s ability to meet its objectives. Members operated without clarity on the budget, which added to the challenges of completing the assigned tasks within the stipulated timeframe.
President Ruto announced the committee’s formation to address public outcry and avert a nationwide student strike.
The discontent stemmed from over 12,000 students contesting their funding categorisation, which determined their eligibility for scholarships, loans, and bursaries.
According to a report to the National Assembly’s Education Committee, the new funding model currently supports 234,811 students admitted to universities in 2023 and 2024.
Universities Fund CEO Geoffrey Monari disclosed that the appeals process had been halted pending a court ruling.
A High Court judgment on the funding model’s legality, originally expected on December 16, has been delayed. Monari noted that the court order prevents further implementation of the model, including fund disbursement.
During a town hall meeting with university students, President Ruto acknowledged that 26,000 of the 134,000 applicants had appealed, arguing they were misclassified in funding bands. Monari confirmed that the committee was tasked with addressing this issue, but the process remains stalled.
Funding Model Challenges
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba has acknowledged the model’s shortcomings. Speaking to the committee earlier, he noted that the funding approach introduced last year had not achieved the desired results.
He urged committee members to focus on resolving the issues and improving the system.
Ogamba emphasised the importance of genuine appeals to refine the model, ensuring it addresses the needs of all students, including those misclassified in funding bands.
He also highlighted the need to consider students who had already incurred housing costs but lost a month of the academic year due to delays.
ALSO READ: KNEC Encourages Teachers to Embrace Group Work to Cut Costs in School Practical Lessons
The Cabinet Secretary reiterated the government’s commitment to transparency and pledged to relocate the task force if necessary. He also proposed introducing a daily sustenance allowance for students.
To ensure all concerns are thoroughly addressed, Ogamba announced plans to extend the committee’s term. The extension aims to resolve the challenges and develop sustainable solutions for the funding model’s implementation.
University Funding Review Stalled by Budget Deficit as Review Committee Misses Deadline
