Ruto attends Baraton University graduation ceremony

The president is expected to talk about the university education funding model that has triggered uproar

In Summary
  • The government has rolled out adjustments to the bands under the new funding model addressing previous challenges.
  • PS Inyangala Friday revealed that the new funding model is grouped into five bands depending on the family's income level.
President William Ruto arriving at the University of Baraton on Sunday, August 18, 2024.
President William Ruto arriving at the University of Baraton on Sunday, August 18, 2024.
Image: WESLEY ROTICH./ FACEBOOK

President William Ruto is attending the University of Eastern Africa, Baraton's 42nd graduation ceremony.

The President is the chief guest at the Seventh-day Adventist Church-learn institution during Sunday's ceremony underway in Nandi County.

The president is accompanied by top government officials including Education Cabinet Secretary Migosi Ogamba and Higher Education Principals Secretary  Beatrice Inyangala.

Ruto is expected to use the occasion to talk about the university education funding model that has triggered uproar among Kenyans.

Some parents have been protesting that they received admission letters for their children with exorbitant fees after being placed on the wrong bands.

However, the government has rolled out adjustments to the bands under the new funding model addressing previous challenges.

Inyangala Friday revealed that the new funding model is grouped into five bands depending on the family's income level.

The PS  outlined the breakdown of the amount each band will receive as a scholarship and loan.

The band any student belongs to depends on the amount the applicant placed as family income while applying for a scholarship.

Band One, the most needy group, consists of a family whose income is not beyond Sh5,995. 

Under this category, the government scholarship will cover 70 per cent of the fees while the loan will cover 25 per cent, making the total support 95  per cent. 

Under the category, the family will pay 5 per cent of the fees and the student will receive an upkeep loan from Helb of Sh60,000.

In Band Two, the government has grouped families whose income does not surpass Sh23,670 but is above Sh5,995. 

In this category, the government scholarship will cover 60 per cent while the loan will cover 30 per cent.

The family will pay 10 per cent of the fees. Under this category, the student will receive an upkeep loan of Sh55,000.

In Band Three, the government has classified families whose family income does not pass Sh70,000 but it is above Sh23,670.

In this category, the government scholarship will cover 50 per cent, while the loan will cover 30 per cent.

The family will contribute 20 per cent of the fees supposed to be paid. Students in the category will receive an upkeep loan of Sh50,000.

In Band Four, the government has grouped families whose income does not exceed Sh120,000 but is above Sh70,000.

In this group, the government scholarship will cover 40 per cent while the loan will cover 30 per cent.

The family will pay  30 per cent of the fees.

In Band 5, the government has grouped families which earn more than Sh120,000.

In this category, families will pay 30 per cent of fees.

They will receive 30 per cent of the fees as a loan while their families will be required to pay 40 per cent of the fees.

Education CS Julius Ogamba on Friday said that students not satisfied with the bands they have been placed in can appeal at the Higher Education Portal.

Last Wednesday, President Ruto announced that the new admission letters for first-years joining from September have been issued.

The President said the new admission letters indicate the correct amount of fees that the government, Higher Education Loans Board and parents ought to pay.

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