President William Ruto has strongly defended the new university funding model, emphasizing its focus on equitable financial support for students based on their economic backgrounds.
Speaking at a town hall meeting on Sunday, Ruto clarified that the banding system under the new model, which categorizes students into five financial bands, is not a new concept.
The banding has been in place since 1996, and he has merely added one additional band to the existing four.
He noted that the new funding model replaces the Differentiated Unit Cost (DUC) previously used to finance universities.
Ruto detailed the banding structure, explaining how it determines the level of government scholarship, loan support, and family contributions:
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“Band One: For the most financially needy families (monthly income below Sh5,995). The government covers 70% of the fees, loans cover 25%, and families contribute 5%. Band Two: For families earning between Sh5,995 and Sh23,670 monthly. The government covers 60% of fees, loans cover 30%, and families pay 10%. Band Three: For families with monthly incomes between Sh23,670 and Sh70,000. The government covers 50% of fees, loans cover 30%, and families pay 20%,” Ruto said.
He added,” “Band Four: For families earning between Sh70,000 and Sh120,000 monthly. The government covers 40% of fees, loans cover 30%, and families pay 30%. Band Five: For families earning more than Sh120,000 monthly. Families pay 40% of fees, loans cover 30%, and the government covers 30%,”
Despite the government’s efforts to create an equitable funding model, some parents have expressed dissatisfaction, particularly concerning the accuracy of the banding process.
This has raised concerns among parents that the new system may unfairly burden families and potentially lock out students from poor backgrounds.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba recently assuring that all qualified students will be admitted to universities, regardless of their ability to pay immediately.
He directed Vice Chancellors to admit students unconditionally and to provide necessary accommodation, with the assurance that fees will be paid upon disbursement of the upkeep component.
The Ministry of Education also extended the application deadline for funding under the new model to December 31, 2024, to accommodate students facing delays.
Ogamba also highlighted the government’s commitment to developing a sustainable legal and policy framework for higher education financing, which will consolidate various bursary and scholarship schemes to enhance equity and affordability in education.
