Kenyan Government Commits to Enhanced Funding for Universities Amid Legal Challenge

The Kenyan Government has doubled university funding through the Differentiated Unit Cost model, aimed at ensuring no financially disadvantaged students miss out on education. However, a court case has temporarily halted implementation. Calls for innovative funding strategies and equitable access are vital to support the increasing number of enrolled students.

In the past two years, the Government of Kenya has doubled funding to local universities under the new Differentiated Unit Cost (DUC) model. Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba stated that this student-centered funding mechanism ensures that financially disadvantaged students do not miss out on higher education opportunities. Despite a pending court of appeal case that has temporarily halted the model’s implementation, the Government remains optimistic about resolving issues within the education sector, including outstanding debts.

A petition questioning the constitutionality of the DUC was filed in October 2023 by the Kenya Human Rights Commission and other groups, who argue the model shifts the financial burden from the Government to parents, leading to discrimination against students based on their financial circumstances. Justice Chacha Mwita, who initially ordered a halt to the model, emphasized that its implementation lacks a proper legislative framework.

CS Ogamba highlighted the need for Sh45.85 billion to educate 246,391 students who passed their secondary examinations, marking the highest number who qualified for university admission in recent history. He noted that the required funding for these students over their entire education could exceed Sh100 billion, underscoring the necessity to investigate financial solutions for the increasing enrollments.

During the Second Biennial Conference on University Financing, Ogamba called for collaborative efforts to secure adequate funding while offering assurances that all students, alongside their families, will have the opportunity to be admitted into higher education institutions of their choice. He shared that about 45,258 additional students qualified for university compared to the previous year, presenting increased challenges for the Government’s budget.

Additionally, Ogamba emphasized the importance of innovative financing models such as public-private partnerships and alumni contributions to support universities. He also underlined the need for equitable access to education, especially for marginalized and disadvantaged groups, while fostering an environment conducive to student success. The Education Ministry has been exploring alternative revenue streams to alleviate financial pressures on public universities, which have accumulated substantial debts likely exceeding Sh72 billion.

The University Fund Chief Executive Officer Geoffrey Monari expressed concerns that the suspension of the DUC model could exacerbate public debts for universities, underscoring the need for a resolution. Though disbursement of funds through this model has been frozen, support will continue for those already enrolled. Monari emphasized the model’s potential to empower universities to generate revenue through research commercialization, reducing dependence on government funding.

The DUC model categorizes students into five financial bands, ensuring equitable scholarship distribution according to household income and need. This method aims to provide substantial support to those from lower economic backgrounds, with varying scholarship rates from 20% to 70% based on financial criteria assessed through the Means Testing Instrument (MTI). As of the academic year 2022/23, approximately 563,000 students were enrolled across 32 universities in Kenya, reflecting a steady increase in university attendance amid ongoing government subsidy challenges.

The Government of Kenya has significantly increased funding for local universities through the Differentiated Unit Cost model to enhance access to higher education. While a court case has temporarily affected the model’s implementation, discussions around equitable funding and student support continue to address rising enrollment numbers and financial burdens on families. The need for innovative financing strategies and collaboration among stakeholders is crucial for the sustainability of higher education in Kenya.

Original Source: www.kenyanews.go.ke