CS Machogu Supports University Funding Model for the Poor
CS Machogu Supports University Funding Model for the Poor. Ezekiel Mochogu, the Cabinet Secretary for Education, fervently supports Kenya’s innovative university funding model. He asserts its effectiveness, particularly for students facing challenges, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
During his visit to Kisii University on Tuesday, October 7, Mochogu emphasized the pivotal role of the newly enacted model in rectifying disparities and creating opportunities for disadvantaged students.
Dr. Machogu, the Education Cabinet Secretary, outlined the necessity of identifying and aiding students from disadvantaged backgrounds. This is achieved through a scientifically validated means test.
This approach categorizes students based on their needs, resulting in significantly reduced fees for those from impoverished backgrounds.
Empowering Disadvantaged Students for a Brighter Future
Machogu criticized the former funding system’s Differentiated Unit Cost (DUC) method, branding it as “flawed and unworkable.”
Recognizing the flaws in the original D.U.C model, comprehensive reform became imperative. Thus, the Education Ministry devised a new system and formula.
This new funding approach divides students into categories known as “PARTS,” reflecting their financial means and needs.
To illustrate, a student pursuing a course worth Ksh 200,000 will only pay Ksh 10,000 per semester.
Machogu stressed that the means testing instrument is scientifically validated for assessing needs accurately.
Students from disadvantaged backgrounds will have minimal financial obligations, while slightly more affluent families will contribute only 5% of their expenses.
Those with greater financial means will contribute more, covering 40% of their educational costs, and ensuring accessibility to quality education.
Machogu also emphasized that students will repay the financial assistance, which comes in the form of scholarships and loans, once they secure employment.
The government’s objective is to direct higher education aid to individual students based on specific criteria under the new funding model, starting with the 2022 KCSE candidates’ university admission.
A classification system categorizes aid seekers into four groups: vulnerable, highly needy, needy, and less needy.
Although some education stakeholders criticize the government, claiming it burdens students and parents with expensive loans, the government’s initiative aims to address the rising disparities in university tuition. For instance, a government-sponsored engineering course at JKUAT costs Ksh 336,000 per year, leading to public protests.