- President Ruto has also championed this model as a tool for improving student support, but also as a solution to the financial instability plaguing universities.
- In his recent remarks, he projected that the new model would stabilise university finances within three years.
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The introduction of Kenya’s novel higher education funding model has ignited a passionate and multifaceted debate, marking a substantial shift from entrenched financial practices. Under President William Ruto's stewardship, this reform aims to address deep-seated inequities within the education sector, representing a pivotal moment in Kenya’s educational evolution.
Historically, the higher education funding system adhered to a uniform approach, primarily determined by academic merit. This method, while seemingly equitable, often overlooked the varying financial circumstances of students. Consequently, many from economically disadvantaged backgrounds faced significant obstacles in accessing higher education, despite their academic prowess. This systemic shortcoming perpetuated educational inequity and stifled social mobility.
The new funding model marks a significant departure from the outdated system it replaces. It introduces a means-tested approach, categorising students into five distinct groups based on their household income: vulnerable, extremely needy, needy, less needy, and able. The model strikes a balance between financial need and academic merit, ensuring that those from low-income families receive substantial support. Unlike the earlier version, which linked university funding directly to the number of students admitted, the new model ties funding to both the financial needs of the students and the specific costs of their academic programmes. Vulnerable students can have up to 90 per cent of their educational expenses covered through a combination of government scholarships and loans, while students categorised as able to receive loans but no direct scholarships. This targeted approach aims to dismantle long-standing financial barriers and enhance access to higher education.
Consider, for instance, a poor pastoralist child from Maralal in Samburu County. Under the previous funding system, such a student, despite demonstrating academic potential, might have been discouraged from pursuing further studies due to the lack of financial support. The traditional model, based primarily on academic merit, failed to address the severe economic hardships faced by students from remote and impoverished regions, who may not have performed well academically because of these constraints.
In stark contrast, the new model offers a tailored approach that significantly benefits poor students like those from Maralal. By categorising students according to household income, the model ensures that those from low-income families receive substantial financial support. For our example from Maralal, this could mean receiving up to 90 per cent of their educational expenses covered through scholarships and loans. This targeted assistance aims to remove the financial barriers that previously impeded access to higher education, providing an unprecedented opportunity for students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
The model's emphasis on financial need rather than solely academic merit represents a pivotal shift. It acknowledges that exceptional academic performance alone is not always sufficient to overcome financial obstacles. For a student from a pastoralist family in Samburu, where resources are scarce and educational costs are high for many, the new model offers a lifeline that could transform their educational prospects. By covering a significant portion of their tuition and related expenses, the reform aims to ensure that such students can pursue higher education without being burdened by crippling debt or financial anxiety.
President Ruto has championed this model not only as a tool for improving student support, but also as a solution to the financial instability plaguing universities. In his recent remarks, the President projected that the new model would stabilise university finances within three years, allowing institutions to focus on enhancing educational quality rather than merely surviving financially.
"Our goal is to create a sustainable funding environment that allows universities to excel in their educational mission," he said.
The head of state's vision reflects a commitment to transforming higher education while addressing the financial pressures on institutions so that they do not remain burdens to the exchequer.
Felix Koskei, the Head of Public Service, has been a vocal advocate for reforms in government delivery of public services. Giving direction about this matter at the Edge in South C, Nairobi on Wednesday, he emphasised the importance of integrity and transparency in the implementation of the new model. He reassured the public that the government is committed to refining the model as necessary.
“We must ensure that this model not only meets its objectives but also adapts to any emerging challenges. Integrity in our processes is crucial to achieving lasting success,” Koskei said.
His comments reflect a broader governance philosophy that prioritises responsiveness and accountability, being the man who has been at the centre of public service reforms since 2022.
Principal Secretary for Higher Education, Beatrice Inyangala, has strongly vouched for the model which has been developed in her tenure in the higher education docket. Inyangala describes the transition from a merit-based to a need-based funding system as a critical advancement towards educational equity. While acknowledging potential initial challenges, such as gaps in support for middle-income families, she affirms that the model represents a significant step forward.
“This new model is designed to address historical inequalities and ensure that support reaches those who need it most. We are committed to ongoing evaluation and adjustment to address any issues that arise,” Inyangala said, highlighting a shared commitment to improving the educational landscape.
The government maintains that the previous model’s uniform approach was inadequate in addressing the complexities of educational access. By focusing on financial need, the new model aims to allocate resources more effectively and ensure that support reaches those most in need. This approach seeks to rectify historical injustices and provide a more equitable framework for higher education funding.
While the new funding model presents several challenges, it embodies a transformative and ambitious effort to overhaul Kenya’s higher education system. The model’s success hinges on its ability to adapt based on feedback and effectively meet the diverse needs of students. Yet, as highlighted by the Head of Public Service, the challenge extends beyond the system itself.
In a country where some may exploit services without consideration for those most in need, fostering integrity becomes crucial. Ensuring that all stakeholders uphold transparency and fairness is essential for the model's success and the survival of our institutions. Through continued dialogue and adaptability, Kenya can ensure that this model truly delivers on its promise of enhanced accessibility and fairness in higher education.
Political commentator