The Kenyan Government has doubled university funding through the Differentiated Unit Cost (DUC) model, aimed at ensuring access to education for needy students. Legal challenges have led to a suspension of the model’s implementation, which the Government is appealing. Education Secretary Ogamba emphasized the need for innovative funding strategies to support increasing student enrollment in tertiary institutions.
The Government has reaffirmed its commitment to a new funding model for universities, known as the Differentiated Unit Cost (DUC), which has seen funding doubled to over Sh82 billion in the past two years. Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba emphasized that this student-centered funding mechanism aims to ensure that all financially needy students have access to higher education.
Despite the suspension of this funding model due to a pending court appeal concerning its constitutionality, the Government remains hopeful for a favorable resolution. The Kenya Human Rights Commission and other groups have challenged the model, arguing that it shifts the financial burden to struggling parents and lacks public participation.
Justice Chacha Mwita has ordered the suspension of the model’s implementation, citing concerns over its legality and alignment with students’ rights. In response, the Government has appealed this decision, seeking to clarify the model’s compliance with existing laws.
CS Ogamba indicated that Sh45.85 billion is required to finance the admission of 246,391 students who qualified for tertiary education in the upcoming financial year. He expressed the importance of ensuring that no deserving student is denied access to higher education, especially as the number of qualifying students increases.
The Ministry is currently holding consultations regarding the opening of the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service portal, allowing prospective students to select their courses. Ogamba assured students and parents that those who qualify will secure placements in universities in haste with necessary deadlines.
He also called for collaboration among stakeholders to ascertain the maximum number of students the government can support financially. Ogamba encouraged the exploration of innovative funding strategies, such as public-private partnerships and alumni contributions, to enhance universities’ financial resources beyond government support.
In past years, public universities contended with mounting debts exceeding Sh75 billion, largely improved through the implementation of the student-centered funding model. Although the suspension poses risks to financial stability, the model is designed to enable universities to commercialize their research and lessen dependence on government financing.
The model classifies students into five funding bands based on household income, ensuring that financial aid reaches those with the greatest needs. For instance, Band One students receive a 70 percent government scholarship, while Band Five students from high-income families receive 20 percent. The Means Testing Instrument assesses the allocation based on various socioeconomic factors.
Current enrollment in Kenyan universities stands at approximately 563,000 students, with significant reliance on government subsidies for operations. The Ministry of Education’s ongoing efforts focus on creating a sustainable and equitable funding environment for higher education.
In summary, the Kenyan Government is committed to implementing a new university funding model aimed at ensuring equitable access to higher education for needy students. Despite legal challenges that have temporarily suspended its implementation, the Government is preparing to address funding gaps for an increasing number of qualified candidates. Additionally, innovative funding strategies and stakeholder collaboration are encouraged to sustain higher education in Kenya.
Original Source: www.kenyanews.go.ke
