Koome proposes a radical shift in the funding approach, suggesting that all existing bursaries be merged into a single fund to make education accessible and free for all. This recommendation comes amidst growing uncertainty and confusion surrounding the fate of thousands of students who are set to join universities under the new funding regime.
"The fact that a child who has qualified to go to the university can be there crying, saying I have been put in Band 5 when I ought to be in Band 1 and therefore I cannot afford to go to the university,” Koome remarked, highlighting the potential for unfair categorization under the new model.
The new funding framework, which utilizes the Means Testing Instrument (MTI), assesses the financial need of students based on self-reported family income and background information. However, critics argue that the resulting banding system could unfairly prevent needy and vulnerable students from accessing higher education, thereby undermining the very purpose of the financial assistance.
CJ Koome believes that the situation could be better managed if all education-related bursaries—currently disbursed by various government offices, including those of governors, women representatives, MPs, and MCAs—are consolidated into a single fund. "There’s a bursary fund from the taxpayers’ money given to the governor, women rep, given to the MP through CDF and MCA. All those bursaries, how are they disbursed? Why don’t you put them in education and make education free for all,” she questioned.
Adding her voice to the criticism, Senior Counsel and Narc Kenya leader Martha Karua has described the new funding model as unconstitutional and vulnerable to manipulation. She expressed concern over the lack of sufficient public participation in the development of the model, which she claims was rolled out in haste. "This model, if implemented without public participation, will be unconstitutional... it is denying countless young Kenyans the chance to better their lives,” said Karua.
Governors have also expressed reservations about the new funding approach, with Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga noting the government's apparent haste in implementing the model without comprehensive stakeholder consultation. "This government is in a rush to bring new things, from SHIF now the funding model... even if they say it will be good, let us first set it aside so that we can keenly look at it all around,” Kahiga urged.
Despite these concerns, the Ministry of Education has instructed all university heads to proceed with admitting students as it prepares to release the necessary funds to institutions. However, there remains uncertainty over how these students will be accommodated or supported financially, given the unresolved issues surrounding the new funding model.
The ongoing debate raises critical questions about the future of higher education in Kenya and whether the new funding structure will truly serve the interests of all students or further entrench social inequalities. As it stands, many Kenyans fear that the new model could sabotage access to education, particularly for those from lower-income backgrounds who may struggle to finance their university education. The fate of Kenyan students hangs in the balance as the government grapples with these challenges.
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