Ruto unveils university funding model
President William Ruto introduced a new university finance model on Wednesday, May 3, as a response to the debt issue plaguing public colleges.
Ruto indicated in a news briefing from State House that the new model will be student-centered, with finances channeled through scholarships and loans.
Ruto stated that the new model would not raise university tuition, but that the government would boost the financial resources allotted to the schools.
“This new funding model does not raise university tuition.”We are boosting the university funding in the upcoming fiscal year from Ksh54 billion to Ksh84.6 billion under the new model.
“Universities and TVETs will no longer receive capitation funding based on differentiated unit cost.”
“Students will be funded through a combination of scholarships, loans, and household contributions on a graduated scale,” he said.
He said that students will be sorted into three categories: vulnerable, less vulnerable, and capable, and that funds would be allocated accordingly.
The Head of State stated that the government will provide complete scholarships to vulnerable kids, so their parents would not have to pay anything for their children’s education.
“Their parents will make no contribution.” “The funding will come from government scholarships and loans,” Ruto explained.
However, for students in the less vulnerable category, the government would provide a scholarship covering up to 53% of their tuition costs and a 40% loan.
At the same time, people who enroll in TVET institutes under this category will receive 50% tuition grants and 30% loans.
“Their families will only cover 7% of the cost of their university education.” “Those who enroll in TVETS will receive government scholarships up to a maximumof 50% and 30% in loans.” “Twenty percent of the costs will be borne by their households,” Ruto added.
Less needy students who enroll in university, on the other hand, will receive scholarships of up to 38% of the total cost of their study, as well as loans of 55%. “Their households will pay only 7%.” “Those who enroll in TVETS will be funded 32% for government scholarships, 48% for loans, and their households will pay 20% of the costs,” he added.
Ruto cautioned public colleges not to impose additional fees on the programs offered by other institutions.
“No public university shall levy additional charges or raise its fees without the approval of the University Funding Board,” the President continued.
Furthermore, the president stated that the new model will be implemented in the following school year, and that all ongoing government sponsored students will be supported in accordance with the old model.
According to the president, the new model was established in response to proposals by Kenya’s Presidential Working Party on Education Reform, led by Prof Raphael Munavu, and many discussions with Vice Chancellors of the country’s public universities.
