Nyamira Senator Okong’o Omogeni has urged the cabinet secretary for education Julius Migosi to review the new University Funding Model.

Speaking during a parliamentary session on Thursday, November 14, 2024, Omogeni said that the model should be reviewed so that students can get loans and repay upon graduation.

He went on to say that the current funding model is victimizing some students adding that many university learners from needy families have been categorized into bands that their parents cannot afford making it hard for them to continue with their higher education.

“Education CS Julius Migosi should review the University Funding Model to loan money to students and upon graduation they repay back to the government,” Omogeni urged.

“There is a big problem, there are so many students from needy families who are being categorized into bands that their parents can not afford.”

Omogeni on HELB loan

Citing his example, the senator disclosed that he is a beneficiary of the Higher Education Loan Board (HELB) loan adding that if he did not receive support from the government, he would never have gone to school up to the university level.

He further urged senators to support his call for the funding review for the benefit of the students and also for the government to consider financing the school fees for needy students.

“If the government never extended support to me I would never have gone to school up to university, let us appreciate as leaders because we were assisted we should also be conscience that those who are coming after us also need help. I plead with the government to take into account the interest of students who have expressed inability to raise their school fees,” he added.

Sen. Okong'o Omogeni (Nyamira): If the Government never extended support to me I would never have gone to school up to university. Education CS Julius Migosi should review the University Funding Model to loan the money to students and upon graduation they repay back. #SenateLive pic.twitter.com/nACz2y4MRG

— Senate of Kenya (@Senate_KE) November 14, 2024