The Ministry of Education has acknowledged concerns regarding the new university funding model and is committed to addressing issues raised within the next few weeks, Cabinet Secretary (CS) Julius Migos Ogamba has said.
The CS defended the funding model, stating that it is designed to effectively meet the needs of students with diverse financial backgrounds.
“The funding model has been in existence for 29 years, the only thing that has changed is that the means of testing instruments was adjusted and reviewed to ensure that those children who need the government support benefit most from the government funds,” he explained.
He was speaking during the International Confederation of Principals on Tuesday, August 20, at Pride Inn Paradise Beach Resort, Mombasa County.
Ogamba disclosed that his IT team has developed a portal within the Ministry’s website to streamline the re-banding of students.
“We have created a portal where we have allowed students to appeal so that if you have data or information to show that you have been put in the wrong band, your issue can be rectified,” he said.
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The CS noted the government’s objective is to ensure 100 percent transition for every student.
“Going forward, I can assure that within the next few weeks, we are going to resolve that matter and every child who deserves to be in school will be because we are aiming for 100 percent transition,” he asserted.
His assurance came in response to various leaders, including Narok Senator Ledama Olekina, who criticized the new model as being confusing, arguing that it creates unfair divisions among students.
The funding model, which was unveiled by President Ruto, aims to ensure university students receive funding in proportion to their needs. It is divided into five bands based on the financial capacity of students’ families.
By Frank Mugwe
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