Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has poked holes in the newly unveiled higher education funding model.
Owino said the new model will make education a reserve for the rich.
“Averagely, university programs cost Sh300,000. Needy students are expected to pay Sh21,000. A needy student cannot afford even a meal of Sh50 per day, where will they get Sh21,000?” Owino paused.
He was speaking while addressing the press on Thursday.
Owino said the new model will reintroduce malice in the disbursement of funds in the higher education sector.
“This is where tribalism, nepotism marginalization and bribery will be the consideration for awarding scholarships and not merit,” he said.
On Wednesday President William Ruto unveiled a need-based funding model for university students.
Ruto outlined three categories of students that are less vulnerable, vulnerable and able.
"For the first time, students whose families are at the bottom of the pyramid shall enjoy equal opportunity in accessing university and TVET education. Their households shall not make any contribution towards the education of their children," Ruto said.
But Owino has however questioned the criteria for identifying needy and less needy students.
The MP said rich students study abroad while needy ones are in the country.
“The government has just opened another mega corruption scheme where poor students will be asked for bribes in order to get full scholarships,” he said.
The President said the new model of funding will take effect at the beginning of the next financial year and will benefit the new cohort of 173,127 students that will be joining universities and 145,325 students who will be joining TVET institutions.
Meanwhile, the President announced an increase in university education funding to Sh84.6 billion in the 2023/24 financial year, a 56 per cent rise from the current budget.
He said the new funding comprises a Sh53 billion allocation to be factored into the budget and Sh31.6 for HELB loans.