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Members of the National Assembly have raised significant concerns regarding the challenges facing the implementation of the new university funding model, calling on the Ministry of Education to streamline the process and ensure equitable access to higher education for all students.
During a meeting chaired by Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, legislators engaged Principal Secretary for the State Department of Higher Education and Research, Prof. Daniel Mugendi Njiru, along with other key stakeholders, in a detailed discussion about the funding model. The meeting also included contributions from university officials, including Vice-Chancellor Prof. Daniel Mugendi Njiru and Mr. Geoffrey Monari from the Universities Fund.
MPs highlighted several issues, including the accuracy of the Means Testing Instrument (MTI), the accessibility of the application process, and the model’s impact on students from marginalized areas. Hon. Mary Emaase and Hon. Esther Passaris questioned whether all students would benefit from the new funding model, particularly noting that many students still lack ID cards despite having applied.
Hon. Owen Baya and Hon. Ruweida Obbo expressed concerns about students in rural and marginalized areas like Lamu East and Kajiado County, where poor internet connectivity and lack of electricity make it difficult to apply for loans. “What have you planned for severely marginalized areas like Lamu East Constituency?” asked Hon. Obbo.
In response, Dr. Beatrice Muganda assured the House that alternative identification documents, such as KCSE index numbers and certificates, could be used for students without ID cards. She emphasized the government’s commitment to equity and stated that measures were in place to address the concerns raised.
Several MPs, including Hon. Rindikiri Mugambi, Hon. Caroli Omondi, and Hon. Irene Mayaka, voiced their concerns about the accuracy of the MTI in assessing students’ financial ability. Hon. Clive Gisairo questioned why a majority of students were placed in the highest financial need bands, stating that many had been wrongly categorized.
The issue of communication between the Ministry, universities, and the public was also a focal point of the discussion. Hon. Wilberforce Oundo and Hon. John Kiarie pointed out discrepancies between the information provided by university vice-chancellors and the Ministry, leading to confusion among students and their families.
Speaker Wetang’ula called for the consolidation of various funding streams, including those from MCAs, MPs, Women Representatives, Governors, HELB, and the University Fund, to make education more affordable. “We should amalgamate these funds. These funds are coming from the public. As a Ministry, create a policy and legal framework to streamline this process,” he stated, backing a proposal by Hon. Omar Mwinyi to redirect all funds and bursaries towards free education.
Dr. Muganda committed to ensuring that all eligible students would receive assistance at universities, with help desks available to modify band allocations and process funding applications. She also promised that students would have access to funds within three weeks of application.
In conclusion, Speaker Wetang’ula directed the newly appointed Ministry of Education Cabinet Secretary, Mr. Julius Migos Ogamba, to appear before the National Assembly once it resumes from recess to address the ongoing concerns.
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