Vice-Chancellors Ordered to Admit All Qualified Students Despite Payment Delays

The Cabinet Secretary for Education Julius Migos Ogamba has issued a press release, directing that all students who qualified for university admission are guaranteed a place in the institutions of their choice regardless of their ability to pay their household contributions immediately.

The directive released on August 21, 2024 advises Vice-Chancellors of all public universities to refrain from exempting even one of the qualified students from joining.

In addition, the Vice-Chancellors are to facilitate smooth and suitable accommodation arrangements for all the first years with the assurance that the needed fee will be paid upon the disbursement of the upkeep money.

“The directives reflect the governments unwavering commitment to ensuring that no deserving student is denied the opportunity to pursue higher education due to financial constraints,” he stated.

“Students with questions or appeals regarding fees and funding are encouraged to contact our dedicated teams at universities during admission or through the Higher Education Portal at www.hef.co.ke. Appeals will be processed within three weeks from the date of application, ensuring timely financial support for students in need. The deadline for applications has been extended to 31ST December, 2024, to accommodate those who may face delays,” he added.

The purpose of the Higher Education Funding Model is to ensure that all Kenyan students receive adequate financial support for their studies.

It is to promote the provision and access to quality higher education and ensure all students are equitably and adequately supported based on their financial needs. Timely disbursement is part of its grounding principles.

However, the Means Testing Instrument (MTI) seems mayhem for many students looking forward to continuing their studies in higher institutions.

The family of Geoffrey Isaboke in Kisii County, who secured a chance to pursue a course in medicine at Nairobi University, is sourcing funds from neighbours to enable him travel to the capital to pursue his course with no hope of how he will survive through his studies.

The model has locked out minors 17 years and below from applying for university funding, and the dreams of many are waning away, as that of Evans Gathee from Nyeri County, who was to join Cooperative University for a degree in economics.

Evans’ hands, together with those of many other minors, have been tight, with their dreams delayed till they get the identification cards to qualify for the application process.

The extension for application might reignite hope for those who were about to be locked out and are above 18 years old, but is there hope for the minors?