‘New funding model for Universities was ill-conceived’ – Okiya Omtatah

Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah has lamented over the impact of the new universities and colleges’ funding model implemented by President William Ruto’s administration.

According to the lawmaker, the model has transferred the burden of higher education to parents who are currently struggling to meet the cost of living.

Omtatah revealed that he has so far received messages from students contemplating dropping out or deferring their studies due to high education costs in the country.

“A number of comrades have reached out decrying the now high fees charged by universities compounded by the high cost of accommodation and upkeep. It’s important for education to be accessible to all who want to pursue it,” part of Omtatah’s statement on Saturday July 20, 2024, read.

How new model works

The New Higher Education Funding Model was unveiled by President William Ruto on May 3, 2023, to address challenges encountered by public universities and Technical and Vocational Education (TVET) institutions.

The model was touted to address massive enrollment and inadequate funding. It was launched to replace the Differentiated Unit Cost (DUC) previously used to finance universities.

While launching the model, Ruto argued that it prioritises a student’s financial needs and separates placement from funding. Under this model, universities and TVET institutions will no longer receive block funding in the form of capitation.

Instead, funding for students will be provided through scholarships, loans, and household contributions. Following the introduction of the new model, students will have access to scholarships and loans to finance their higher education.

Return to old model

However, Okiya Omtatah in his long statement, asked the government to reinstate the old formula.

He noted that the old model would enable students to report to schools and stop the continuing ones from deferring their studies.

Omtatah argued that at the moment some students are disadvantaged by the new model.

“The new funding model for Universities and Colleges was ill-conceived, we need to return to the previous model for continuing and new students and eventually eliminate tuition fees. The Constitution of Kenya, 2010 Article 43(f) guarantees each person the right to education,” he stated.

He reprimanded the government for unveiling the new model without looking at its impact to education. Omtatah noted that the new model was rushed and thus needed to be scrapped to save the fate of higher education in the country.

“The new funding model was hurried and premature, transferring the responsibility of providing education from the state to the parents, many of whom are struggling to keep their children in school. The implication has seen many students deferring, dropping out or not being able to report to University altogether.”

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