Githunguri Constituency MP, Gathoni Wa Muchomba, has disapproved the new university funding model in Kenya, labeling it as discriminatory, erroneous, and fictitious.
The New Higher Education Funding Model, unveiled by President William Ruto on May 3, 2023, aims to ensure that all eligible students receive adequate educational financial support.
The president had said that it will also tackle challenges faced by public universities and TVET institutions due to massive enrolment and inadequate funding.
This new framework replaces the Differentiated Unit Cost (DUC) previously used for financing universities. The Means Testing Instrument (MTI) tool will be used to assess the funding needs of applicants.
According to the MP, while the Means Testing Instrument (MTI) may be scientifically accurate, it is practically flawed.
She urged the government to disengage from models that categorise its citizenry into economic classes, emphasizing that, after all, votes are never stratified
“The new University Funding model in Kenya is a sure way of undoing the gains of 100 percent secondary school transition achieved by the previous regimes. If we maintain status quo with the new students centered funding model (SCFM), most students will not join university under this new model,” the MP said.
Wamuchomba has called on all incoming university students (freshers) from Githunguri to attend a forum today (Monday) to discuss issues related to the new funding model.
Students are required to bring their admission letters, IDs, and other relevant documents to participate. The forum will begin at 2 PM at the Githunguri Constituency office.
Under this model, universities and TVET institutions will no longer receive block funding in the form of capitation and instead funding for students will be provided through scholarships, loans, and household contributions.
The Universities Fund will provide scholarships to students ranging from 30 percent to 70 percent based on their level of need.
Any remaining deficit will be covered through household contributions and loans. Students interested in receiving scholarships must apply formally through the Higher Education Financing (HEF) portal at www.hef.co.ke.
By John Kariba
