University funding model under scrutiny as thousands of appeals flood in

The Universities Fund has committed to supporting students throughout the appeal process and has encouraged them to continue attending classes while their appeals are being reviewed.

The funding model is also facing legal challenges. Activists have filed a lawsuit to halt the means testing instrument, which has been criticized as discriminatory and unfair to students from lower-income backgrounds.

The model, now in its second year of implementation, has encountered significant opposition from civil society groups, student leaders, and political figures, including Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka. Musyoka and his supporters are threatening to organize nationwide protests against the model.

Geoffrey Monari, CEO of the Universities Fund, has defended the model, asserting that it is based on recommendations from a presidential working group.

 "Before this model was implemented, the presidential working party conducted a nationwide survey and received feedback indicating that our universities were not functioning optimally. The new model was developed in response to this feedback, aiming to improve how we support students." Monari said. 

Monari reported that the fund has reviewed nearly 1,000 appeals from students in financial need and has adjusted their funding bands accordingly. He added that the fund will use data from the National Educational Management Information System (NEMIS), collaborate with the Kenya Revenue Authority, and seek assistance from the national government and the Ministry of Interior to verify claims and conduct background checks on appealing students.

 "This process is ongoing. We will keep the appeal process open and have invited the national government to assist us in verifying students' information and their families' income. They will complete a form and provide us with feedback," he added. 

During a recent town hall meeting with university students and stakeholders, President William Ruto defended the new model. He emphasized that the means testing instrument aims to ensure equitable and adequate support for all students based on their financial needs.

Acknowledging the challenges, the Universities Fund has extended the appeal deadline to December and remains open to constructive feedback from all stakeholders.