Funding
Over 200 students from Githunguri who are set to join various universities across the country attended a forum organised by the Githunguri MP, Gathoni Wamuchomba to discuss the new university funding model.
Earlier on, the MP had said that the new funding model needed to be tested more and recommended a return to the old model. Some learners who this past week started receiving the new fee structures under the new funding model complained saying that the burden of expenses was too high for their parents.
University student leaders have also spoken out against the new Funding Model for education. During the meeting, out of those who attended, 25 students found that they were not listed on the funding portal including those who were admitted to private universities and therefore no scholarships are available for them.
The MP noted that 17 students did not have national IDs and have been waiting for over five months highlighting that with only 4 students in category of Band 1, there is obviously a bias in the banding and placement.
First year university students during the university freshers’ forum in Githunguri
The funding model consists of 5 bands. Band one comprises students who are extremely needy and vulnerable with a monthly income of up to Sh5,995; these students will receive scholarships covering 70 percent of their fees and loans covering 25 percent. Band two is for low-income families who require substantial aid and earns up to Sh23,670 per month. Students in this band will receive a 60 percent scholarship and 30 percent in loans and also Sh55,000 in upkeep support.
Band three consists of students from families with modest incomes and a monthly income of up to Sh70,000. They will receive a 50 percent scholarship, 30 percent in loans, and Sh50,000 for upkeep. Bands four and five, which include middle and high-income earners with a monthly income exceeding Sh120,000, will pay the largest portion of tuition fees per household at 40 percent.
From data provided by those present, Wamuchomba said that the distribution across the income bands is Band one, 4 students, Band 2 had 9 students, Band 3 comprised 12 students, Band 4 contained 23 students, and Band 5 accounted for 131 students.