Members of the Kenyan Parliament have criticized the university funding model presented by President William Ruto, citing that it is not effective and will only serve to hurt students, parents, and universities. Through Samburu West MP Naisula Lesuuda, lawmakers have made a series of questions aimed at getting some clarity and transparency, from the Ministry of Education. This article explores what MPs are concerned about, the systematic challenges that the new funding model will face, and the probable implications for Kenya’s higher education system.
Background
The new funding model, currently in its second year, aims at classifying students based on their family’s income with a view to tailoring scholarships and loans. However, the model has attracted criticism as well as logistical queries that have compelled intervention at the parliamentary level. The Committee on Education in the National Assembly has summoned key officials to provide comprehensive answers over the matter.
Key Questions which MPs Raised
Effectiveness of the Model
MPs want proof of the effectiveness of the model. They have demanded data on the number of beneficiaries and a report on how funds have been equitably distributed since the model’s inception with an analysis of the systematic challenges that have hindered its smooth operation.
Enlightenment of stakeholders:
They are also asking the Ministry of Education to demonstrate that it is doing enough to teach parents, guardians, and students on how exactly this funding model works, as there has been anxiety over the application process and likely limitations for needy students based on the income bands into which they are placed.
Financial Viability of Public Universities
There is a growing concern about the financial viability of public universities, which are burdened by huge debts and strained budgets. Some MPs questioned whether the new funding model could decisively answer these challenges while maintaining equal access to higher education.
Full Report of Beneficiaries
The parliamentarians want a detailed report on how the new funding model has been applied in public universities and Technical and Vocational Education and Training institutions. This includes a breakdown of the beneficiaries within the five income bands, so that the most vulnerable students are not disadvantaged.
Fee Structure and Affordability
MPs have ordered the Ministry of Education to reissue new structures that indicate clearly the amount to be paid by parents after the exclusion of government loans. In most cases, existing fee structures have been very confusing and have remained a source of concern among parents and students at large, since high fees might act as a discouragement for admission.
Structural Issues
The new funding model has hit a number of obstacles, including delayed disbursements from the National Treasury down to HELB and the University Fund. By May, huge sums had not been remitted to these respective levels of implementation. This has consequently caused a setback in the implementation of the model. Moreover, the proposed categorization of students into income bands has cast a cloud over equitability concerns in funding.
Impact on Students and Universities
The new funding model is expected to see students supported through scholarships and loans, where scholarships are not repayable, and loans are repayable after graduation. However, for many, it has been a shock to see the high fees indicated in university admission letters, and some students are now reconsidering their plans. MPs have put forward that clear communication and realistic structures of fees are needed in order not to scare potential students away with financial impediments.
Conclusion
The questioning of President Ruto’s funding model for universities by the Kenyan MPs emphasizes the triple requirement of transparency, effectiveness, and equability in access to funding for higher education. With the National Assembly’s Committee on Education set to quiz key officials over the same, answers given will be very important in the satisfaction of concerns raised and the need to see that the funding model meets its intended objectives. The future of higher education in Kenya is pegged on the successful resolution of these issues, where every student gets a chance to pursue his or her academic dreams irrespective of their financial background.