The government has promised to address the challenges facing university students under the new funding model after the High Court stopped its implementation.
In a statement shared by the Universities Fund (UF) on Thursday, October 17, the agency announced that it had scrutinised and was aware of the issues raised by Justice Chacha Mwita in his ruling that suspended the implementation of the University Funding Model.
The board noted that while the issue created uncertainty among students, the Universities Fund disclosed that it was actively working closely with the Ministry of Education to come up with proper legal avenues for addressing the challenges.
“We recognise concerns surrounding the court order issued by Justice E.C Mwita on October 3, 2024, regarding the implementation of the New Funding Model for University students,” read part of the statement by Universities Fund.
“We understand this situation may create uncertainty and we want to reassure you that we are actively working with the Ministry of Education to explore all legal avenues for an amicable and constructive resolution.”
The students funding body stated it was committed to finding solutions that prioritise the needs of all university students to ensure they continue their education without disruption. Learners were urged to freely channel their grievances to the funding body for solutions.
"Our commitment to providing scholarships remains strong. We believe in open communication and are committed to finding solutions that prioritise the needs of our students and ensure they continue their education without disruption," the Fund assured students.
On October 3, the High Court in Nairobi temporarily suspended implementation of the Universities Funding Model until a case filed before it by the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) is heard and determined.
In its petition, the lobby group faulted the government for implementing the model without carrying out proper public participation. The petitioners termed the model discriminatory, claiming that the model would deny most students access to education.
The court in its directive, announced that the case would be heard on December 22 this year. The decision to file a petition against the funding model followed an uproar by the university students who threatened to stage demonstrations over the program.
The students while announcing their plans to demonstrate, claimed that their efforts to reach out to the government for an intervention had been thwarted, leaving them with no option other than to demonstrate.
The new funding model was established to address the challenges that faced the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB). In the new model, students are placed under five bands based on their financial needs.
