The Government is committed to a new funding model for universities, having doubled funding to over Sh82 billion in two years. The Differentiated Unit Cost (DUC) model is designed to support needy students. However, its implementation is on hold due to a legal challenge questioning its constitutionality. Key stakeholders are encouraged to explore diverse funding strategies to support increased student enrollment in tertiary institutions.
The Government has affirmed its commitment to a new funding model for universities known as the Differentiated Unit Cost (DUC). Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba noted that funding for local universities has doubled over the last two years, amounting to over Sh82 billion. This model adopts a student-centered approach aimed at ensuring no needy student misses higher education opportunities.
Despite the advancement of the DUC model, its implementation is currently on hold due to a pending court of appeal case. A petition filed by the Kenya Human Rights Commission and other groups argued that the model was unconstitutional and discriminatory. They claimed it unfairly shifted financial burdens to parents while lacking sufficient public consultation.
Presiding Judge Justice Chacha Mwita, who had previously halted the model’s implementation, has reiterated restrictions until legal issues are resolved. In response, the Government has appealed against the ruling, citing violations of student rights and inadequate public input.
CS Ogamba indicated that the Ministry requires Sh45.85 billion to finance the education of 246,391 students anticipated to join tertiary institutions in the upcoming financial year. This cohort marks the largest group ever qualified to university, having achieved a C+ aggregate or higher in their exams.
During a recent conference, PS Dr. Beatrice Muganda Inyangala conveyed Ogamba’s remarks, emphasizing the need for sustainable solutions to funding demands. Ogamba pointed out that over Sh100 billion would be necessary to sustain students throughout their four-year education.
The CS urged collaboration among stakeholders to align the number of students the Government can support financially and those who may pursue other funding options. He encouraged exploring public-private partnerships, endowments, and innovative financing strategies to ease the burden on government support.
Furthermore, Ogamba highlighted past debt levels in public universities, which had risen significantly. Thanks to the DUC model’s introduction, these debts have been slightly reduced, although they still stand at Sh72 billion. The Chief Executive Officer of the University Fund expressed concerns regarding the risk of increasing debts due to the model’s suspension.
Since its launch in May 2023, the DUC model has shifted to a direct support system for students, based on their financial needs. This method categorizes students into five bands, determining scholarship levels according to household income. This approach aims to equitably distribute aid based on actual need.
Throughout the 2022/23 academic year, approximately 563,000 students were enrolled in Kenyan universities, indicating a slight increase from the previous year. Public universities remain heavily reliant on government subsidies for operational funding.
In summary, the Government has made significant strides in enhancing university funding through the Differentiated Unit Cost model, doubling financial support to local institutions. Despite legal challenges postponing its implementation, stakeholders are urged to swiftly find solutions to ensure that all qualified students are supported. Continued dialogue and innovative funding strategies are essential for maintaining equitable access to higher education in Kenya.
Original Source: www.kenyanews.go.ke
