Wednesday, May 29, 2024 - President William Ruto has come clean as to why he stopped the automatic funding of university students by the government.
Speaking during a meeting with Vice Chancellors at State House yesterday, Ruto justified the government's push to have the new funding model for higher learning institutions in place, insisting that is the only way to end the debt crisis plaguing public universities.
According to Ruto, the new model is expected to deliver the varsities from debt within three years.
“The vice-chancellors confirmed that the financing model is working and in 3 years will sort out the financial challenges facing our universities,” stated Ruto.
This new funding framework initiated in 2023 for varsities eliminates automatic government sponsorship for students who attain the cut-off points to join public universities.
Instead, it mandates that students once placed by the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service, will apply for a government scholarship if in need of funding.
“Placement by the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service will now be based on merit and choice. Students will apply separately for financial assistance, including government scholarships and loans “explained the PS for the State Department of Higher Education and Research, Beatrice Inyangala.
The new funding model also stipulates that university students will be allocated scholarships and funding which will be calculated based on the cost of the programme of study.
Similarly, the funding model also prioritizes a student’s financial need.
The principal secretary further explained that the model classifies students into five categories based on the level of household income.
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