University Funding Model: Gov't Allocates KSh 19.6b For 155k Students

• The government has set aside 19.6 billion shillings to fund university students to benefit 155,814 students in private and public universities
• New funding model for universities and TVET will take effect in September, accommodating a new cohort of students
• Placement and funding plan has been met with questions from parents over the new funding model by government

Nairobi - The government has set aside 19.6 billion shillings to fund university students as the new funding model for universities and technical and vocational education and training (TVET) takes effect in September.

University fund CEO Geoffrey Monari said the funding is enough to cater to more than 155,814 students in private and public universities after the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) sent 140,107 students to public and private universities.

"We shall not close until the 140,107 students get in, but we cannot force everyone to apply because I could have been placed and I am able I pay, it does not mean that the applications will be 100%, even from past records we have seen that some students opt not to apply but the position is we would want to accommodate every student because the funds are available," Monari said.

Loans and scholarships

According to Monari, 130,485 public university students will have access to loans and scholarships, while 9,662 private university students to get loans only.

"The current status for applications is 6,155 and we are seeing an average of about 2000 and it's growing every day. The new funding model will address the gap of underfunding in universities. The cost actually affected the behaviour of students in the way they applied for these courses," KUCCPS CEO Mercy Wahome said

The placement and funding plan came amid rising questions from parents over the new funding model by government.

New university funding model: What you need to know

The government unveiled a new funding model to help the 2022 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) students as they join various higher education institutions.

The new funding model aims at ensuring students facing financial hardships will not be required to pay any fees to colleges and universities, including their upkeep.

Any student who, before introducing the new funding model, had not applied for financing will be required to apply through the new platform.