University funding system must work for all students, government reiterates – KBC

Government has reiterated its determination to ensure that the university funding system works for all students and institutions.

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba Monday said his Ministry is committed to making the necessary reforms to build a stronger, more sustainable higher education sector in Kenya.

He was speaking while addressing the National Working Committee on Review of the New University Education Funding Model, emphasizing the government’s commitment to resolving the challenges facing the higher education sector.

The committee was formed to address the issues that have emerged from the funding model introduced in 2023, which has faced several challenges in its implementation this year.

“The funding model that was introduced last year has not yielded the expected outcomes, and that is why we are here today,” CS Ogamba said.

“We decided to be part of the solution and not part of the problem. However, I am fully aware that several issues still need to be discussed and resolved.”

The Cabinet Secretary reiterated the government’s directive to universities to admit all students, ensuring that no one is excluded from further education as the system’s teething problems are addressed. “We asked the Vice-Chancellors to admit all students, and we are committed to solving the problems that are affecting the system,” Ogamba added.

Addressing concerns raised by the public, the Cabinet Secretary responded to rumors circulating about the funding model. He stated that many of the questions were fueled by media interviews with students who were not attending campuses, which had sparked misunderstandings. “I have been to Parliament after the task force was formed, and most of the questions were from what the media was reporting. But as we sit here today, the issues that have arisen will depend on the outcome of the deliberations from this Committee.”

CS Ogamba also touched on the financial troubles facing several universities in Kenya.

“Currently, 20 or 23 universities in Kenya are insolvent, and we are working on solutions to get them back on track. The case of Moi University is unique, and we are addressing it separately,” he noted.

The task force, which consists of education stakeholders, current and former students, parents, and other interested parties, has been working to resolve these issues.

“We need to get genuine appeals that will make the system even better,” CS Ogamba said, stressing the importance of constructive feedback.

He called for a broader perspective, emphasizing that the task force should not only focus on helping the less fortunate students but also on making sure that all students’ needs are addressed. “I have not yet heard any appeal from students who were placed in the wrong band, such as being given Band One when they should be in Band Five.”

The Cabinet Secretary made a clarion call for urgent action to resolve the situation. “Look at the pressing issues that need to be changed, then consider the students who, by the 17th of September, had already paid for housing but have lost a whole month of their academic year.”

In response to concerns over the ongoing strike by the University Academic Staff Union (UASU), CS Ogamba assured that a solution is imminent.

“We need to agree that the government is not here to oppress anyone; we are here to find solutions. Today or tomorrow, the UASU strike will be called off. We need to find the best working funding model with fewer errors, ideally below 2%,” he said.

Addressing grievances raised by students, particularly regarding the communication and work plan, irregularities in meeting scheduling, and lack of access to documents, CS Ogamba promised to take swift action.

“We will work to ensure transparency, and we are committed to moving the task force to another location if necessary. Additionally, we are considering implementing a daily sustainable allowance for students.”

CS Ogamba also announced that the task force would be granted an extension to ensure that all concerns are addressed adequately. “We will issue a letter extending the task force’s duration of work. This will ensure that we fully address the challenges that have arisen and come up with sustainable solutions,” he concluded.