Govt Discloses Number of Students Who’ve Applied for Funding Under New Model
The Ministry of Education has revealed that more than 100,000 students have successfully registered for the updated university funding scheme.
During a National Assembly session, Higher Education Principal Secretary Beatrice Inyangala shared that 127,623 students have joined the system, with the application period extended until December 21, 2024.
PS Inyangala highlighted the importance of the new model, stressing its focus on inclusivity and fairness.
“This revamped education funding model is built on the pillars of equity and inclusivity, ensuring that no student is left behind,” said PS Inyangala.
According to the principal secretary, this funding model marks a shift from the previous block funding system, which focused on direct capitation, toward a more customized approach.
“We have transitioned from a block funding strategy, where universities received lump-sum payments, to a student-centered model that provides direct financial support to individuals,” she explained.
“This adjustment ensures that students from varying socio-economic backgrounds can access university and TVET education, regardless of program costs,” added the PS.
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The revised funding system aims to address inequalities by offering tailored financial aid based on student’s specific needs.
The Means Testing Instrument (MTI) evaluates students’ financial situations, using family income as a primary factor in determining the level of assistance provided.
Nevertheless, PS Inyangala noted difficulties in accurately assessing financial needs due to inconsistent income reports from students.
“Income reporting has been a significant challenge. We’ve observed that while some students manage to support themselves, they report extremely low or no income when seeking financial aid. Notably, 70% of applicants indicated an income of Ksh5,000 or less,” she pointed out.
This creates challenges in fairly distributing funds to those who truly need them.
The government continues to urge eligible students to apply during the extended window.
Additionally, the Ministry is working to refine income data accuracy to better match financial aid with genuine student needs.
Govt Discloses Number of Students Who’ve Applied for Funding Under New Model
