Among the 42,000 students who missed out on university despite qualifying are thousands from poor and vulnerable families, locked out by high application costs, the digital divide, and inability to raise initial school payments.
The Ksh1,500 KUCCPS application fee, coupled with internet and cyber cafe expenses, proved too costly for students from rural households already struggling to meet basic needs. Others were disadvantaged by lack of awareness on the application process, while the funding model’s reliance on digital portals excluded many from remote areas with no reliable internet access or guidance.
Even those who successfully applied have been left stranded by delayed government disbursements, unable to pay for accommodation, meals, and upkeep. Some have already deferred their studies for lack of initial fees.
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Anglican Church of Kenya Archbishop Jackson ole Sapit yesterday warned that poor planning and delayed capitation risk permanently locking out thousands of students from higher education.
“Unless urgent action is taken, parents will continue to lose hope in the country’s institutions and the future of our youth will be compromised,” he said in Nairobi, urging the government to also address the ongoing university strike that has disrupted the academic calendar.
By Mercy Kokwon
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