President William Ruto has passionately defended the new university funding model despite concerns from some stakeholders and students ahead of admission starting in September 2024.

The Head of State, who was speaking at Baraton University on Sunday, August 18, 2024, highlighted that the new funding model is anchored on consideration of students’ varying levels of vulnerability.

Ruto, who revealed that making the decision to adopt the new funding model was a difficult one, argued that most people opposed to it will see how progressive it is along the way.

“I am persuaded now that we need a funding model that is not focused on the university but focused on the student. A funding model that will not leave any child in Kenya behind but a funding model that recognises that there are children that come from vulnerable families,” Ruto noted.

President Ruto further explained that the new funding model has increased scholarships for students from vulnerable communities from 80 to 90 per cent.

How the model works

The new funding model unveiled by the Ministry of Education categorises students into five bands, each offering different levels of government support on a need basis. Each band is determined by the family’s financial muscles.

Students who are extremely needy, vulnerable, orphans, disabled, or beneficiaries of social protection programs receive the highest level of support. These types of students fall in band 1.

The government covers 70 per cent of their education costs through scholarships, and an additional 25 per cent through loans, leaving only 5 per cent for the family to contribute.

According to the Ministry of Education, students in this band are eligible to receive an upkeep loan of Ksh60,000.

THE NEW UNIVERSITY FUNDING MODEL BANDS EXPLAINED:

Band 1: For families with a monthly income up to Sh5,995

Band 2: For families with a monthly income up to Sh23,670

Band 3: For families with a monthly income up to Sh70,000

Band 4: For families with a monthly income up to…

— Dr Beatrice Muganda Inyangala (@Bettymuganda17) August 16, 2024

Those in band 2 are set to receive a 60 per cent government scholarship and a 30 per cent loan, covering 90 per cent of the total education costs.

The family is responsible for the remaining 10 per cent, and the student receives an upkeep loan of Ksh55,000.

In band 3, students receive a 50 per cent scholarship and a 30 per cent loan, with the family contributing 20 per cent.

The upkeep loan for students in this category is Ksh50,000.

Those in band 4, receive a 40 per cent scholarship and a 30 per cent loan, with the family expected to cover 30 per cent of the fees.

Students falling in band 5 are not eligible for government scholarships. Their families are expected to contribute 40 per cent of the education costs and then receive a 30 per cent loan.

#HigherEducationNewFundingModel pic.twitter.com/fg0E7GBND8

— Dr Beatrice Muganda Inyangala (@Bettymuganda17) August 17, 2024

Concerns

Despite the government spelling out the new funding model, some parents have raised concerns about how the government will identify those eligible for much support depending on the band.

Some have raised concerns over the amount they are expected to pay despite the government’s support.

The Higher Education Funding Model is designed to ensure vulnerable students receive adequate financing, and guaranteeing education for all. It is a student centered model.

Attended the 42nd Graduation Ceremony at the University of Eastern Africa, Baraton, in Nandi County.

I am… pic.twitter.com/5q8RUu508p

— William Samoei Ruto, PhD (@WilliamsRuto) August 18, 2024