The Ministry of Education, led by Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba Migos, has issued new directives to ensure that no qualified student is turned away from university admission due to financial constraints.

In a recent statement, CS Ogamba announced that all students who meet the admission criteria are guaranteed a place in their chosen institutions, regardless of their ability to immediately pay the household contribution.

Universities directed

Public university Vice-Chancellors have been instructed to admit all qualified students without exception.

“The Ministry of Education wishes to inform all students who have qualified for university admission that they are guaranteed a place in their chosen institutions, irrespective of their ability to immediately pay the household contribution. Vice-Chancellors of public universities have therefore been directed to admit all qualified students without exception,” the CS stated.

Furthermore, CS Ogamba has directed Vice-Chancellors to ensure suitable accommodation arrangements for first-year students, with the assurance that necessary fees will be settled once the upkeep component is disbursed.

The ministry is collaborating with the National Treasury to expedite the release of the required funds, reaffirming its commitment to ensuring that deserving students have the opportunity to pursue higher education.

“The Vice-Chancellors are required to facilitate suitable accommodation arrangements for first-year students, with the guarantee that the necessary fees will be paid upon disbursement of the upkeep component. The Ministry is working with the National Treasury to expedite the release of the requisite funds. These directives reflect the Government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that no deserving student is denied the opportunity to pursue higher education due to financial constraints,” Ogamba’s statement revealed.

Ministry on funding

Students with questions or appeals regarding fees and funding are encouraged to contact their respective universities or visit the Higher Education Portal at www.hef.co.ke.

Appeals will be processed within three weeks of application, and the deadline for applications has been extended to December 31, 2024, to accommodate those who may face delays.

The ministry also welcomes recommendations from parliament and other stakeholders on enhancing the new funding model to better support students in need.