Kakamega County Senator Boni Khalwale has voiced strong opposition to the new university funding model following a recent spot check at Kenyatta University.

Khalwale, who was at the university to enrol his daughter Gift Atubukha, who achieved a B+ in the 2023 KCSE at St Brigid’s High School-Kiminini, reported that parents, lecturers, and students are in unanimous agreement that the current funding model should be revised.

Senator Khalwale praises KU

The Senator praised the efficient and courteous process at Kenyatta University, noting that only accommodation fees are currently required.

He assured that parliament will advocate for the immediate release of capitation funds to universities.

“Earlier today, I took my dota, Tubu, for registration and admission at Kenyatta University. My sincere thanks, and congratulations to the VC, the lecturers, and the non-teaching staff for the cordial, fast, and meticulously efficient process,” Khalwale stated on his X account.

“Only payment for accommodation is being sought. We shall, as parliament, ensure that capitation funds are immediately released to universities. Here, I’ve done a spot check, and parents, lecturers, and students all agreed that the new funding model must go.”

Funding model

The new funding model, which is centred around student needs, offers government scholarships and loans to all students placed through the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS).

Funding is categorized based on financial need into vulnerable, extremely needy, needy, and less needy.

This model aims to provide equitable access to university and technical education for students from households with varying financial backgrounds.

It is designed so that students from wealthier families receive more loans compared to scholarships, while those from less affluent backgrounds benefit from more scholarships.