University Students Protest Over New University Funding Model
New University funding model. A meeting between the government and private University stakeholders at the Kenya School of Government was thrown into disorder by angry students.
The private university students disrupted the meeting demanding to know why they have not been included as beneficiaries of the new university funding model, unlike their peers in public universities.
The frustrated students from several private universities chanted solidarity songs to voice their dissatisfaction with the new funding model, calling for a stakeholders’ meeting primarily composed of students.
The chaos broke out while Dr Beatrice Inyangala, the Principal Secretary for Higher Education and Research, was present.
Inside the New University funding model
Unveiled by President Ruto in May 3, 2023, the New Higher Education Funding Model, aims to address challenges encountered by public universities and Technical and Vocational Education (TVET) institutions due to massive enrollment and inadequate funding.
This new funding framework replaces the Differentiated Unit Cost (DUC) previously used to finance universities.
The model prioritises a student’s financial need and separates placement from funding.
Under this model, universities and TVET institutions will no longer receive block funding in the form of capitation. Instead, funding for students will be provided through scholarships, loans, and household contributions.
Following the introduction of the new model, students will have access to scholarships and loans to finance their higher education.
The Universities Fund will offer scholarships to students ranging from 30% to 70% based on their level of need. Any remaining deficit will be covered through household contributions and loans.
Students interested in receiving scholarships must formally apply through the Higher Education Financing (HEF) portal, accessible at www.hef.co.ke.
University Students Protest Over New University Funding Model
Benefits of the New Higher Education Funding Model
- Ensures that all eligible Kenyan students receive adequate financial support for their education.
- Promotes the provision and access to quality higher education.
- Ensures that all students are equitably and adequately supported based on their level of financial need.
- Ensures timely disbursement of funds to students through their higher education institutions.
Application requirements
- Valid email address.
- Valid telephone number.
- KCPE and KCSE index number and year of examination.
- Passport-size photo.
- College/university admission letter.
- Your birth certificate.
- Your parents’/guardian’s registered telephone number.
- Your parent’s/guardian’s ID number.
- Death certificate, if applicable, for deceased parents.
- Copy of a sponsorship letter if you were sponsored in secondary school.
University Students Protest Over New University Funding Model
