Gov't explains why many students miss out on scholarships under the new funding model

Koskei said that if a student wrote that either of his parents worked as a managing director in trying to elevate their status, they will automatically be placed in band 5 which is for families with a monthly income of more than Ksh.120,000. 

He added that the students should provide correct information to be placed in the right category. 

"If the information giver wrote that the father or mother is a managing director perhaps trying to elevate himself or herself, then automatically you will go to band 5 because you're earning a Ksh.1 million," he said. 

This comes amid many students raising concerns after they indicated that they were placed in wrong categories in line with their family's economic status. They said that the new model introduces a class of rich and poor in the society.

The new model allocates funds to students based on their financial needs. It's different from the previous model (Differentiated Unit Cost) which focused on the course that a student selected. The model has five bands that are categorised based on a family's monthly income. 

Further, Education CS Julius Ogamba instructed all universities to admit students regardless of their financial capacity.

During a visit to Mama Ngina High School, the CS said that the model will ensure that every student is assisted according to their needs. 

The CS explained that the government has released funding to universities and encouraged the students to take advantage of the opportunity. 

Further, he confirmed receiving a strike notice from teachers over the full implementation of the second phase of the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). 

"Yes we received a strike notice and there's a procedure, the notice goes to TSC who have to handle that first before we step in. As we speak today, KNUT officials are meeting with TSC to discuss the issues which are legitimate," he said.  

"This relates to the CBA that was signed and for which this is the last portion of it. It also relates with the issues of teachers being placed on permanent and pensionable terms. The government is also facing a legitimate challenge of resources. We agreed to have a sit-down and ensure the strike is averted because this is the third term."

At the same time, Higher Education Principal Secretary Beatrice Inyangala urged students to report to school on August 26, 2024, without having to worry about the fees.

She pointed out that the University officials would assist the students in applying for the scholarships. 

"We encourage you to go the university and report. The VCs will receive and when that amount has been determined, then you will be expected to pay according to the policy," she said.  

"I encourage students who feel they have an issue to raise, to go the portal www.hef.co.ke. All the issues will be settled within three weeks."