MPs grill Education PS, raise concerns over university funding model

Members of Parliament (MPs) grilled Education Principal Secretary for State Department of Higher Education and Research Beatrice Muganda over the controversial university funding model.

On Tuesday, August 20, 2024, led by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, the MPs raised concerns about the model’s impact on students, particularly those from marginalised areas.

Issues including the accuracy of the Means Testing Instrument (MTI), the accessibility of the application process, and the potential impact of the new model on vulnerable students are among the concerns the lawmakers raised.

Lamu East MP Ruweida Obbo raised the issue of marginalised areas, which he says lack adequate internet connectivity.

“What have you planned for severely marginilised areas like Lamu East Constituency? We don’t have access to the internet to apply for these loans,” the MP said.

In defence of the Ministry of Education, the PS said the government is committed to equity and assured MPs that measures were in place to address the concerns raised.

According to a statement on the National Assembly’s social media pages, the members of the National Assembly also called for the consolidation of various funding streams, including those from MCAs, MPs, Women Representatives, Governors, HELB, and the University Fund.

“We have MCAs, MPs, Women Reps, Governors, HELB loans, the Universty Fund, presidential bursaries, and private institutions offering bursaries. We should amalgamate these funds. These funds are coming from the public. As a ministry, create a policy and legal framework to streamline this process. We can actually make free education a reality.

“Even with this very good model, the efficiency has been communication. It is now that we are hearing that even children who don’t have money should go and report; those with distorted data should go and correct at the universities,” Wetang’ula said.

Wetang’ula also challenged the Vice Chancellor’s Council and the Ministry to liaise with accommodation service providers and facilitate students, as upkeep will be realised after students’ admission.

“Why can’t you liaise with the Vice Chancellors and the accommodation providers to arrange to allow students to report on the undertaking that upkeeps funds?” Wetang’ula asked.

Daniel Mugendi Njiru, Vice-Chancellor, University of Embu, and the Chairman, Vice-Chancellor’s Committee, and Geoffrey Monari, Universities Fund, were also present during the engagement.