Education Cabinet Secretary (CS) Julius Ogamba has announced that no student will be turned away during university admissions for failing to pay household contributions.
“Vice-Chancellors of public universities have therefore been directed to admit all qualified students without exception,” reads the statement in part.
“Additionally, the Vice-Chancellors are required to facilitate suitable accommodation arrangements for first year students, with the guarantee that the necessary fees will be paid upon disbursement of the upkeep component.”
CS Julius Ogamba Gives Directives on New Funding Model
The CS also mentioned that the Ministry is collaborating with the National Treasury to expedite the release of the necessary funds, ensuring that no deserving student is denied the opportunity to pursue higher education due to financial constraints.
This follows complaints from needy students placed in loan bands designated for families with higher incomes, who said they couldn’t afford the household contribution costs and were denied admissions.
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They questioned if the bands took into account the total number of dependents, arguing that a parent earning Ksh 120,000 might still face financial strain due to household expenses.
Their worry is that the model could make university education increasingly unaffordable for many, potentially leaving it accessible only to the wealthy.
However, the CS said that students who feel dissatisfied with the bands to lodge an appeal that will be processed within three weeks from the date of application, ensuring timely financial support for students in need.
The deadline for applications has been extended to 31st December 2024, to accommodate those who may face delays.
Ogamba stated that Education ministry welcome recommendations from Parliament and other stakeholders on strengthening the New Funding Model and improving the Means Testing Instrument.
“For sustainable financing of higher education, we shall earnestly work together with all stakeholders to develop a legal and policy framework that consolidates the various bursary and scholarship schemes provided by different entities, such as NG-CDF, County Governments, the Ministry of Education and other public and private players,” he added.
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How the Bands Work
Students placed in band one is from homes earning less than Ksh 5,995 will receive a 70% scholarship and a 25% loan, totaling 95% support, while families contribute 5% and receive a Ksh 60,000 upkeep loan.
Those from households earning between Ksh 5,995 and Ksh 23,670 fall into Band 2, receiving a 60% scholarship and a 30% loan (90% total support), with families contributing 10% and a Ksh 55,000 upkeep loan.
Band 3 covers families earning up to Ksh 70,000, offering a 50% scholarship and 30% loan (80% total support), with families contributing 20% and a Ksh 50,000 upkeep loan.
Band 4 is for parents earning Ksh 70,000 to Ksh 120,000, with a 40% scholarship and 30% loan (70% total support), leaving families to contribute 30%.
Finally, Band 5 includes parents earning above Ksh 120,000, who receive a 30% scholarship and a 30% loan (60% total support), with families contributing 40%.
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