Editor's Review

Vulnerable and extremely needy students will not pay fees effective this year. 

Vulnerable and extremely needy students will not pay fees effective this year, according to a new model of funding university education.

Speaking at State House on Wednesday, May 3 President William Ruto said the funding will be through government scholarships, loans, and bursaries.

"The government shall fully fund the vulnerable and extremely needy students who comprise 29% of the students joining university and TVET’s this year. The funding shall be through government scholarships, loans, and bursaries.

"Students from needy households joining universities will receive government scholarships of up to a maximum of 53 percent and loans of up to 40%. Their Households will only pay for 7% of the cost of their University Education. Those joining TVETS will receive government scholarships up to a maximum of 50% and 30% In loans. Their Households will pay 20% of the costs," Ruto stated. 

According to the model, the less needy students joining university will be funded through a Government scholarship of up to a maximum of 38 percent of the cost of the programme and 55 percent in the form of loans.

"The less needy students joining university are to be funded through a government scholarship of up to a maximum of 38% of the cost of the programme, and 55% percent inform of loans. Their households will pay only 7%. For those joining TVETS, they will be funded 32% for government scholarship, 48% for loans and their households will pay 20% of the costs," the Head of State added. 

President Ruto at State House. 

President Ruto observed that it was the Government’s commitment to ensure all students are supported adequately in their education.

The President said a new funding model is inevitable to solve the financial crisis that public universities are in.

He noted that the funding will be student-centred and apportioned to learners based on their need level.

The scholarships and loans, he explained at a media briefing on Wednesday at State House, will be distributed equitably.