The new university funding model, touted to streamline the flow of financial aid to the needy students, will not in any way disadvantage any student according to Taita Taveta University Vice Chancellor, Professor Fred Simiyu Barasa.
Speaking on Friday during the orientation of the over 1,100 students who have joined the University, Prof. Barasa acknowledged the apprehension surrounding the changes but offered strong reassurances about the model’s potential to enhance both the quality and accessibility of higher education.
In his speech, Prof. Barasa recognized the controversy and misunderstandings that have marred discussions about the new funding framework, noting the fears many students have expressed about being saddled with loans.
“I know there has been a lot of controversy, misinformation and maybe wrong understanding,” he noted.
However, he was quick to remind them that loans have long been a standard part of University education, sharing his own experience of taking a loan while studying, which he repaid over a decade while working at Egerton University.
“I paid my loan for 10 years but without that loan I would not be here today because somebody would have chosen not to give me a loan and I would never have managed to get that loan,” he explained.
The Vice Chancellor provided a detailed comparison between the new funding model and the old Differentiated Unit Cost (DUC) model, which saw the government cover 80% of program costs while students and their families shouldered the remaining 20%.
According to Prof. Barasa, this approach had become outdated and unsustainable, with universities struggling to maintain the quality of education due to financial shortfalls.
He highlighted that the fees’ structure had been set over 35 years ago, failing to account for the rising costs of modern-day university programs.
The new funding model, by contrast, introduces a tripartite system comprising household contributions, loans, and scholarships. This, he said, would ensure universities could cover the actual costs of programs while reducing the financial burden on students.
To demystify the financial implications, Prof. Barasa went ahead and cited specific examples from the university’s programs. He noted that engineering programs at Taita Taveta University cost Sh336,000 annually. Under the new model, students categorized as Band 1, those who are considered economically disadvantaged, would pay only Sh. 16,000 per year, the same amount they were paying under the old model. The government would cover 95% of the program’s cost, with 70% coming in the form of scholarships and 25% as a loan.
For less expensive programs, such as those in Education Arts, the cost stands at Sh. 183,000. A Band 1 student would be required to pay just Sh. 9,000 annually, further easing the financial strain on households.
“We don’t see any big difference in what the students will have to pay,” the Vice Chancellor stated, reassuring students and parents that the shift to the new model would not lead to exorbitant fees.
Highlighting the institution’s strong relationships with local leaders, including Members of Parliament, Members of County Assembly, and the Senator, who frequently sponsor students, the VC emphasized the university’s commitment to supporting students beyond just academics.
Prof. Barasa stated that the university offers a work-study program that allows financially struggling students to work part-time on campus to earn money for their education.
The VC expressed optimism about the new funding model’s impact on the university’s operations, highlighting that with better financial stability, the university would be able to pay suppliers on time, conduct field trips, purchase essential teaching and learning materials, and improve the overall quality of education.
Additionally, the university would be able to retain and fairly compensate its staff, ensuring that students receive the best quality education.
He noted that the new model is more transparent and fairer than its predecessor stating, “The new funding model is important in terms of sustainability and objectivity. It is objective. How many students do you have? What programs are they taking? What is the cost of the program and what is their socioeconomic status? These are the criteria now, and there is no need to lobby.”
The professor urged students to engage with the University’s administration to fully understand the new funding model, reassuring that the future of higher education at Taita Taveta University is both secure and promising, with a focus on sustainability, fairness, and the holistic development of its students.
By Arnold Linga Masila
