President William Ruto is set to engage university students directly in a Townhall meeting tonight at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi.
The event, dubbed the Presidential Townhall, will begin at 7 p.m. on Sunday, August 25, and aims to address the concerns and questions surrounding the new Higher Education Funding Model.
This Townhall follows a recent meeting where President Ruto hosted university student leaders at State House, Nairobi, to discuss the funding model.
The President’s decision to hold this event underscores his commitment to ensuring that students are well-informed about the changes in higher education financing.
The new funding model, which has sparked considerable debate, represents a significant shift in how higher education is funded in Kenya.
By directly engaging with students, President Ruto hopes to clarify the government's objectives and address any misconceptions.
The event is expected to draw attention from both students and the general public, as the funding model affects a large portion of the country's youth.
The Townhall provides an opportunity for students to voice their concerns and receive firsthand information from the President.
The new Higher Education Funding Model introduced by President William Ruto's administration marks a transformation in how university education is financed in Kenya.
The model is designed to make higher education more accessible and equitable, particularly for students from low-income families. It replaces the previous blanket subsidies with a more targeted approach that allocates funds based on students' financial needs, as assessed by the Means Testing Instrument (MTI).
Under the new model, students are categorized into four financial bands, each determining the level of government support they receive.
Those from the most vulnerable backgrounds are eligible for full scholarships, while students from more financially stable families may receive partial scholarships or low-interest loans. The model aims to ensure that no student is denied education due to financial constraints.
One of the key features of the new model is its focus on efficiency and sustainability.
By directing more funds to those in greatest need, the government seeks to make the best use of limited resources while encouraging a fairer distribution of educational opportunities.
However, the changes have also sparked debates and concerns among students, parents, and educational institutions.
Critics argue that the model may place an increased financial burden on middle-income families and could lead to higher student debt.
In response to these concerns, President Ruto has emphasized the importance of transparency and dialogue, as exemplified by the upcoming Townhall meeting.
