The Kenyan government, through the administration of President William Ruto, has come up with a new funding model to universities, and the public reaction is rife. As Principal Secretary in charge of Higher Education Beatrice Inyangala explained, this new funding model separates students into five funding bands with respect to their families’ income level.
Band One: The Most Needy
- Family Income: Up to Sh5,995
- Government Scholarship: Covers 70% of the fees
- Loan: Covers 25% of the fees
- Family Contribution: 5% of the fees
- Upkeep Loan: Sh60,000 from Helb
Band Two: Low-Income Families
- Family Income: Above Sh5,995 but not exceeding Sh23,670
- Government Scholarship: Covers 60% of the fees
- Loan: Covers 30% of the fees
- Family Contribution: 10% of the fees
- Upkeep Loan: Sh55,000
Band Three: Lower-Middle Income Families
- Family Income: Above Sh23,670 but not exceeding Sh70,000
- Government Scholarship: Covers 50% of the fees
- Loan: Covers 30% of the fees
- Family Contribution: 20% of the fees
- Upkeep Loan: Sh50,000
Band Four: Upper-Middle Income Families
- Family Income: Above Sh70,000 but not exceeding Sh120,000
- Government Scholarship: Covers 40% of the fees
- Loan: Covers 30% of the fees
- Family Contribution: 30% of the fees
Band Five: Higher-Income Families
- Family Income: Above Sh120,000
- Government Scholarship: None
- Loan: Covers 30% of the fees
- Family Contribution: 40% of the fees
Appeal Process
Education CS Julius Ogamba said that students who feel they are misplaced can appeal through the Higher Education Portal.
This new funding model will directly link university fees with the ability to pay in such a way that students who are most vulnerable financially get maximum support. Having received mixed reactions, it reflects the attempt by the government to reconcile access to education with financial sustainability.