NAIROBI, Kenya, August 19-The Kenya Association of Private Universities (KAPU) has petitioned the government to review the new funding model so as to benefit more students.
The new funding model is based on a student’s economic background, which means extremely needy students will access more funding.
The private university vice chancellors made the announcement Saturday when they met in Kabarak Universality for their Annual General Meeting.
“KAPU will appeal to the government to review the funding model that has been provided. In the meantime, private universities have put in place measures to support their sustainability in future,” said Catholic University Vice Chancellor Professor Stephen Mbugua who chairs the association.
The university chiefs aver that the current funding model is discriminatory, observing that the criteria used places a vast majority of students at a disadvantaged situation.
The vice chancellors are of the opinion that every Kenyan student should be at liberty to choose which institution they deem fit for them, adding that the government should only come in with financial support for all university students devoid of discrimination.
In May, President William Ruto unveiled the new funding model to address the current financial challenges at institutions of higher learning because of increased enrolment in the face of inadequate funding.
Government insists that the funding criteria ensures inclusivity, leaving no student behind.
“For the first time, students whose households are at the bottom of the pyramid shall enjoy equal opportunities in accessing university and TVET education. Out of the 2022 KCSE graduates, over 45,000 university students and 42,000 TVET students categorized as vulnerable and extremely needy, will be fully funded under the Government Scholarships and Loans,” stated Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu during the launch of the fund in July.
In the new funding model, students will receive state funding based on their family background as well as the cost of university programs.
The new funding model segments the government scholarships into four dimensions which are vulnerable, extremely needy, needy, or less needy.
With the government placing almost all students in public institutions, private higher learning institutions have been worst hit with both financial deficit as well as low student admissions.
