Parents decry new funding model for university, college fees

Parents have continued to express dissatisfaction with the new funding model for tuition loans and scholarships by the Higher Education Loans Board.

The model categorises university and college students into different funding bands based on factors like economic background and socio-demographic conditions.

The goal is to allocate financial aid more effectively based on student's level of need.

Samuel Odhiambo, a parent from Migori county, said they followed all the due process and correctly filled out his family income, but the student was placed in a different band.

The peasant farmer from Suna West said his son who scored an A and awaiting to join medical school at the University of Nairobi, was placed in band five even after correctly declaring their income when filling Helb process.

According to the Higher education breakdown, Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery under band five, the annual household contribution is Sh244,800 which is 40 per cent of the annual programme costs which stands at Sh612,000.

Odhiambo said many parents across the country feel the new system is flawed and unfair.

They say it may end up locking out majority of students from poor backgrounds from universities.

Others questioned the criteria used by the government to determine which band each family would fall under.

With university costs continuing to rise, families are concerned about their ability to afford higher education.

Odhiambo said the backlash over this new funding system highlights the pressing need for the government to develop an equitable solution that truly meets the needs of students from all economic backgrounds.

The Ministry of Education under CS Julius Migosi on Wednesday directed all Vice Chancellors to admit students unconditionally.

He also asked them to assist students with accommodation irrespective of their ability to immediately pay for the same.