The new universities funding model in Kenya has elicited mixed reactions, with several educational stakeholders—a group that includes the Kenya National Union of Teachers—started demanding an overhaul of the system. Key among these are concerns relating to the identification of deserving students, the cost implications that the model presents, and how it would finally impact the quality and access to university education.
Concerns Raised by KNUT
Identification of Deserving Students
Francis Bundotich of KNUT’s Koibatek Branch said identification structures for the deserving students were not clear, and hence, in the absence of such structures, deserving students could be locked out of funding unmeritedly.
“Some of the challenges in the new model include identification of the deserving students. The model is costly, and we appeal for its urgent review,” said Bundotich.
Cost Implications
Bundotich criticized the model as expensive and called for more consultations to make the model less financially constraining to students and their families. He said the current model only favors students studying in public universities, and are highly dependent on student loans, which might not be sustainable in the long run.
Concerns from the Kenya National Association of Parents
High Cost of Education and Unemployment
Stephen Koskey, the chairman of the Bomet Chapter of the Kenya National Association of Parents, requested a review in courses at the university to match and be relevant to the high cost of education and to explain the general unemployment rate prevailing in the country. All this could trigger a resistance in the new model in the future.
“The model favors students in public universities, and as an association, we are worried that the model is going to lock out many students. We also urge the university Senates and boards to realign their programs to fit the needs of Kenyans,” said Koskey.
Security Concerns
Impact on Education in Insecure Regions
The Chairman of the Marakwet East branch of the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) emphasized the need to address the cost of education and the ongoing insecurity issues in the region. He noted that insecurity remains a significant threat to education, complicating the implementation of the new funding model in affected areas.
Call for Proactive Measures
Both Koskey and Bundotich stressed the importance of the government taking proactive measures to address these concerns and ensure that the new funding model is fair, inclusive, and sustainable. They emphasized the need for thorough consultations with all stakeholders to refine the model and make it more equitable.