Education Ministry Appeals to Students to Postpone Monday’s Protests Over New Funding Model

The Ministry of Education has called on university students to cancel their planned demonstrations set for Monday, September 9, 2024, in response to concerns about the newly introduced higher education funding model.

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba announced on Sunday that the ministry is forming two committees to engage with students and other stakeholders to address issues related to the controversial funding model. “To facilitate an open and consultative process, we urge student leadership to postpone the demonstrations,” Ogamba said. “This will allow students to contribute effectively to discussions on their higher education while continuing their studies without interruption.”

The proposed committees will review the implementation of the new funding model, which has faced criticism for potentially disadvantaging many students. They will evaluate the effectiveness of the new means-testing instrument, which determines student categorization and financial aid. Additionally, the committees will assess the cost of university programs, the structure of student loans, interest rates, and repayment periods.

The new funding model separates student placement from funding, requiring applications for loans from the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) and scholarships from the Universities Fund (UF). It combines scholarships, loans, and household contributions on a graduated scale determined by a means-testing instrument, categorizing students into five bands. The model aims to provide between Ksh.40,000 and Ksh.60,000 in upkeep, with the most needy students receiving significant financial support.

President William Ruto has supported the model, emphasizing that it will help allocate resources based on financial need, with the most disadvantaged students receiving up to 70% in scholarships and Ksh.60,000 for upkeep.

The formation of the committees is part of the ministry’s effort to address concerns and find a favorable resolution while avoiding disruption to students’ academic activities.