The Ministry of Education has explained why medicine is the most expensive degree course in the country compared to other programs.
Dr. Beatrice Muganda, the Principal Secretary of the State Department for Higher Education and Research, while appearing before the National Assembly’s Committe on Education stated that students are placed to pursue various programs based on their academic performance and preferences.
“During the current placement cycle, 14,564 students applied for Medicine which is the most expensive academic programme.
The approved capacity was 689, and a total of 656 students who qualified were placed based on their first choice,” Dr. Muganda said.
She also clarified that an additional 30 students were placed based on their second choice, 22 based on their third choice, 7 based on their fourth choice, and 59 based on affirmative action.
Further, the Committee argued that some students may have to give up their preferred field of study because they can’t meet the cost, even though the Ministry maintained placements are decided by merit and student preferences.
Also Read: Medicine & Four Other Highest Charged Degrees in Kenyan Universities
Additionally, Julius Melly-led team sought to know why the Ministry was not clear about the expected tuition fees, causing panic among parents.
“How can you share fees structure without indicating what will be Govt contribution, what are you doing this time differently,” read part of statement by Melly, who is also Tinderet Member of Parliament.
Fees for Bachelor of Medicine & Surgery
The Bachelor of Medicine & Surgery is one of the priciest degree programs in Kenyan universities.
According to the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS), 11 schools in Kenya offer Medicine degree, with the cheapest charging Ksh461,210 per academic year.
For instance, the University of Nairobi charges Ksh635,000 for the course, while Egerton charges Ksh643,940.
Kenyatta University, Maseno University, Moi University, and Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) all charge Ksh612,000.
Also Read: Ministry of Education Announces Release Dates for New University Fees Structure
Kisii University is the cheapest among the 11 universities (Ksh461,210), while Mount Kenya University charges 510,000 and Uzima University charges Ksh535,000.
On the other hand, Bachelor of Dental Surgery is one of the most expensive courses in Kenya, with the KUCCPS database indicating that it costs Ksh780,000 at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), while UoN charges Ksh613,000.
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