- Julius Melly has defended Kenya’s higher education financing model, saying it has benefited students and was developed through extensive research.
- The model classifies students into five funding bands based on household income, combining government scholarships, HELB loans and family contributions.
- Despite criticism over the accuracy of means-testing, the government insists the system ensures equitable access and sustainable financing for higher education.
Tinderet Member of Parliament Julius Melly has defended Kenya’s higher education funding model, saying it has significantly benefited students and should be supported despite ongoing criticism.
Melly, who chairs the Parliamentary Committee on Education, said the model was developed following extensive research involving experts in the education sector and was designed to ensure equitable access to university education.
“The current funding model has greatly benefited students across the country. It is a product of thorough research conducted by education experts, and I believe Kenyans should support it,” Melly said.
He maintained that the model is functioning effectively, although he acknowledged that challenges remain, particularly in the means-testing process used to determine students’ funding categories.
“The main challenge has been the means-testing instrument and some of the variables used during assessment. However, the government is addressing these issues to make the system more seamless and fair for all deserving students,” he added.
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Under Kenya’s Higher Education Financing Model, university students are classified into five funding bands based on their household monthly income. The bands determine the proportion of government scholarships, Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) loans and family contributions towards tuition and upkeep.
Understanding the Funding Bands
Students in Band One, whose households earn up to KSh 5,995 per month, receive a 70 per cent government scholarship, a 25 per cent HELB loan, and contribute five per cent of the tuition cost. The category mainly targets extremely needy and vulnerable students, including orphans and persons with disabilities.
Those in Band Two, with household incomes ranging from KSh 5,996 to KSh 23,670, receive a 60 per cent scholarship and a 30 per cent HELB loan, while families contribute 10 per cent.
Students from households earning between KSh 23,671 and KSh 70,000 fall under Band Three, where the government provides a 50 per cent scholarship, HELB covers 30 per cent, and families contribute 20 per cent.
Band Four caters for households earning between KSh 70,001 and KSh 120,000, with students receiving a 40 per cent government scholarship, a 30 to 40 per cent HELB loan depending on adjustments, while families meet about 30 per cent of the cost.
Students from households earning above KSh 120,000 are placed in Band Five, where they receive about a 30 per cent government scholarship, a 30 per cent HELB loan, and families contribute the remaining 40 per cent.
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The model also provides tiered upkeep loans through HELB, with students in the lower funding bands qualifying for higher maintenance support than those in higher-income categories. Placement into the bands is undertaken through the Higher Education Financing Portal using a means-testing instrument that assesses applicants’ financial circumstances.
The funding model has continued to generate public debate, with some students and stakeholders raising concerns over the accuracy of the banding system and the criteria used to determine household income. However, the government has maintained that the model is intended to direct financial support to students based on their level of need while ensuring sustainable financing of higher education.
By Kimutai Langat
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