The Government of Kenya has significantly increased university funding to over Sh82 billion through a new model aimed at aiding financially needy students. However, a court suspension challenges the model’s constitutionality and implementation. There is a pressing need for innovative funding methods to support a record number of students transitioning to higher education in the coming years.
The Government of Kenya has reaffirmed its commitment to a new funding model for universities, increasing local university funding to over Sh82 billion over the past two years through the Differentiated Unit Cost (DUC) model. Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba noted that this student-centred funding approach aims to ensure that no financially needy student is excluded from higher education opportunities. Despite its potential benefits, the model’s implementation is currently suspended due to a court challenge questioning its constitutionality.
A petition filed by the Kenya Human Rights Commission and other groups argues that the DUC model is unconstitutional, discriminatory, and lacking in public participation. These organizations contend that it unjustly shifts financial burdens from the government to parents and lacks clarity regarding student categorization. In light of these issues, the courts halted the model’s implementation, leaving the Government hopeful for a favorable resolution.
Ogamba mentioned that the Government requires Sh45.85 billion to finance the education of 246,391 students who finished secondary school in 2023. The students’ qualifications are significant as they represent the largest number ever to score a C+ (plus) and above, allowing them entry into universities starting in the 2025/26 academic year. He expressed the need for over Sh100 billion to support their four-year education.
During the second Biennial Conference on the financing of universities, the Government emphasized the collaboration needed to define funding capacities for all qualifying candidates while ensuring no needy student is left behind. Ogamba called on educational stakeholders to seek creative financing strategies and partnerships to complement government funding.
The Chief Executive Officer of the University Fund, Geoffrey Monari, voiced concerns that the suspension of the DUC model could worsen universities’ financial predicaments, which have remained a burden due to mounting debts. Monari reiterated that universities must be given the room to implement this model to achieve financial independence and reduce reliance on government funds.
The DUC model, introduced in May 2023, categorizes students based on their household income to provide appropriate scholarship support. For example, Band One students from extremely needy families are eligible for 70 percent government scholarships, while other bands cater to various income levels. The model uses a Means Testing Instrument to assess students’ financial needs, aiming for an equitable distribution of financial aid.
In the 2022/23 academic year, approximately 563,000 students enrolled in 32 universities in Kenya. This figure reflects an increase from the previous academic year. Public universities continue to depend heavily on government subsidies for their operations, highlighting the necessity for a reliable and efficient financing model in higher education.
In conclusion, the Kenyan government’s initiative to reform university funding through the DUC model aims to enhance access to higher education for financially disadvantaged students. However, the suspension of this model due to legal challenges raises concerns about the potential financial strain on universities. As stakeholders seek alternative financing strategies, the need for equitable access to education remains paramount. The government’s efforts to explore partnerships and innovative funding sources are crucial for the sustainability of higher education in Kenya.
Original Source: www.kenyanews.go.ke
