MPs Urge Universities to Accept All Students, No Matter Their Financial Situation

Universities have been urged to admit all students for studies, regardless of their ability to contribute to tuition costs.

Members of the National Assembly directed the Principal Secretary for Higher Education to ensure that universities follow this directive, as the ministry works to correct errors in the new university funding model. This model has placed many students in financial categories that they believe are incorrect, making education unaffordable for them.

The recently introduced funding system, which allocates financial support based on household income, has left many students confused and frustrated. Many students have found themselves placed in higher financial bands, leading to concerns that the system is unfair.

Lawmakers are questioning top officials in the Ministry of Education, demanding explanations for the changes in the funding model.

Aldai MP Marianne Kitany highlighted the issue, stating, "The means-testing tool is the real problem. Placing students in bands 4 and 5 assumes they earn more than Ksh 120,000, which is unrealistic for most families."

Another MP pointed out, "This is Kenya; very few people earn Ksh 120,000. The principle needs to be revised. The entire system needs an overhaul."

Officials from the Ministry of Education acknowledged that while the funding model was designed with good intentions, it has faced challenges, particularly in collecting accurate data on family incomes. Many students have either provided incorrect information or struggled with the application process, leading to misclassification.

The ministry also recognized that the type of school students attended played a role in their financial banding.

Education Principal Secretary Dr. Beatrice Inyangala noted, "84.8% of students attended national schools, where fees were Ksh 53,000 or more, while others were in private schools."

Mbita MP Millie Odhiambo countered, "That assumption is flawed. Some students are funded by the Constituency Development Fund (CDF)."

The MPs are calling on the ministry to review the means-testing tool to ensure fairness and equity.

"Focus on financial circumstances, not social factors. Evaluate the family’s finances, not their social situation," urged Suba South MP Caroli Omondi.

Before any changes are made, MPs want all students to be admitted to university without being hindered by the confusion caused by the current banding system.

"Can you publicly declare that students should attend university and that funding will follow them?" Speaker Moses Wetangula asked.

In response, Universities Funding CEO Geoffrey Monari stated, "Universities have agreed to admit students when they report."

Additionally, the MPs are advocating for the consolidation of all bursaries into a single fund to ensure fair and equitable distribution.