University funding row: JKUAT medical student on the verge of dropping out over Ksh.86K fee

A top student in Kitutu Chache, Kisii County, is on the verge of dropping out of university as his family struggles to meet the household contribution required by the university funding model.

Victor Ogato’s family failed to raise Ksh.86,000 for their student, who was sent home to collect the funds before completing his end-of-semester exams.

Citizen TV visited Samson Ogato and his family living in Nyakoe, Kitutu Chache South, and found them making samosas for sale, with each family member playing a crucial role in the family business’s success.

Victor, the firstborn in a family of five, joined in at a time when he was supposed to be completing his third-semester exams at JKUAT.

He scored an A plain in the 2022 KCSE exams and was admitted to the Juja-based university to study medicine.

He is among the first cohort of university students who were given scholarships and loans through the new university funding model introduced in 2023.

However, the family has struggled to raise the required household contribution, making it difficult for Victor to sit for his end-of-semester exams.

“I have borrowed money from everywhere to meet his school needs. He missed the exams because I heard that he was required to pay Ksh.86,000," Pauline Ogato, Victor’s mother said.

Victor added, “The balance is too much for the family to raise, so I have returned to help make samosas to at least get some food.”

Under the new funding model, Victor is expected to pay Ksh.366,000 in fees, with the government contributing Ksh.127,000 for scholarships, Ksh.49,000 as loans, and Ksh.25,000 for upkeep. The family must contribute over Ksh.150,000 as a household contribution.

“We are overwhelmed. The government said that students entering university would be supported," Samson Ogato, Victor’s father stated.

His mother added: “Where will I get Ksh.86,000? Those listening should help me because I have nothing. Even fellow women are helping me to get flour.”

Victor's predicament and the challenges faced by other needy students have sparked a new conversation about funding.

A section of leaders in Mombasa support the recommendations of National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula to consolidate scholarships and bursaries into one fund.

“The process should ensure that every student receives support. No one should miss out due to a lack of funds," Changamwe MP Omar Mwinyi said.

Mombasa Senator Mohammed Faki added: “The funds should not be split among CDF, county, and women representatives. Instead, they should be managed in a more centralized manner to avoid political bias.”

The leaders are calling for additional measures to address the challenges facing the higher education sector in the country.