The Ministry of Education on Sunday moved to allay Kenyans’ fears that higher education has become expensive following the increase of university fees. Higher Education Principal Secretary Beatrice Muganda Inyangala revealed that university students will benefit from a minimum of Ksh40,000 as upkeep allowance yearly in the new university model.
Upkeep will vary depending on students’ individual needs. Ksh40,000 for those from wealthy backgrounds, with the Ministry set to cater for 60 percent of their education. The vulnerable students will receive Ksh60,000, and their undergraduate studies will be funded by the government at 95%. Those in the extremely needy category will be funded at 90% with an additional Ksh55,000 for upkeep. Needy and less needy students will receive between Ksh45,000 and Ksh50,000, and the government will finance up to 80% of their education.
In addition, PS Inyangala said the upkeep funds are loans which shall be paid upon completion of University education. She also told the first-year students that details about household contribution will be declared on 5th August.
Among other factors, it will consider a student’s location probability index, poverty, safety net data, details of parental income, and sponsorship data for primary and secondary education. President William Ruto said that parents’ fees are necessary to sustain the learning system.