The government, through the Ministry of Education, has announced plans to adjust the university fee structure.
Appearing before the Senate Education Committee on Thursday afternoon, Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) Chief Executive Officer, Geoffrey Monari, said the proposal was aimed at balancing affordability with institutional sustainability
While appraising the committee on the status of HELB, Monari revealed that the government was also considering expanding the Loans Board’s financing and improving bursary allocations.
During the meeting, officials from the Ministry of Education led by Education Principal Secretary Beatrice Inyangala also defended the new funding model introduced by President William Ruto’s administration in 2023.
Inyangala while acknowledging the shortcomings of the new funding model, told the lawmakers about the government’s intention to introduce a hybrid funding model that blends government scholarships, student loans, and private-sector partnerships.
PS Muganda further reiterated “The new funding model has indeed reduced the barriers to accessibility to programs and we continue to see an increase in student applications
Inyangala’s sentiments come at a time when the model is facing legal uncertainty following a High Court injunction that halted its implementation.
However, despite her defence of the model, the committee, led by its Vice Chairperson, Senator Margaret Kamar, sought clarity on the future of university funding, raising concerns about students left in limbo due to its suspension.
Senators pressed Inyangala to explain whether students who had already been placed under the model would continue receiving support and what alternative solutions were being considered to ensure uninterrupted learning.
“How will the new funding model benefit the parents and students alike whilst also ensuring a better understanding of the band categorisation?” Senator Kamar posed.
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