By Mercy Kachenge
Nairobi, Kenya: In a major breakthrough related to the New Funding Model, the Ministry of Education has pledged that every student who meets the qualifications for university admission will be guaranteed a place in their preferred higher learning institution, irrespective of their immediate ability to contribute financially.
As stated by Julius Migos Ogamba, the new Cabinet Secretary in charge of the Ministry of Education, Vice-Chancellors have the responsibility to ensure that suitable accommodation arrangements are made for first-year students. This arrangement comes with the assurance that the required fees will be paid once the upkeep component is disbursed.
“The Ministry is working with the National Treasury to expedite the release of requisite funds,” he said.
He emphasized that these directives demonstrate the Government’s unwavering commitment of ensuring that no deserving students is denied the opportunity to pursue their course at higher institutions as a result of financial constraints.
Additionally, he urged that students with questions or appeals regarding fees and funding are emboldened to contact their dedicated team at universities premises during admission or through the Higher Education Portal.
The CS assured that appeals will be processed within three weeks from the date of application thus ensuring timely financial support for vulnerable students. Also the Ministry welcomes recommendations from Parliament and other stakeholders on strengthening the New Funding Model and improving the Means Testing Instrument.
“Moreover, for sustainable financing of higher education, the Ministry has assured they shall earnestly work together with all stakeholders to develop a legal and policy framework that consolidates the various bursary and scholarship schemes provided by different entities such as NG-CDF, County Governments, the Ministry of Education among other Public and Private players,’’ he said.
Ogamba stressed that integrating public resources will improve equity and affordability in education thus it will ensure they strengthen efficiency through reducing wastage.
