Ruto Announces Changes to University Funding System

President William Ruto (center) and Education CS Ezekiel Machogu durng a visit of the  Kisii National Polytechnic Digital Empowerment Centre on March 23, 2023.
President William Ruto (center) and Education CS Ezekiel Machogu during a visit to the Kisii National Polytechnic Digital Empowerment Centre on March 23, 2023.
PCS

President William Ruto on Sunday, April 30, announced that the government was exploring new ways of funding universities, colleges and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions.

Speaking at a church service in West Pokot, Ruto explained that instead of issuing collective grants to institutions of higher learning, the government would disburse funds based on the number of students.

He further noted that plans were in high gear to switch from grants to scholarships for each qualifying student.

"We are unveiling a new system of funding higher learning institutions. Instead of issuing grants to colleges, we will issue scholarships for every student," he declared.

President William Ruto speaking during the pass-out parade of prison cadets on April 28, 2023.
President William Ruto speaking during the pass-out parade of prison cadets on April 28, 2023.
PCS


Set to take effect on Monday, May 1, Ruto explained that the system would solve the financial crises afflicting institutions of higher learning.

"Many institutions suffered because they have been grossly underfunded. In our budget, we have reorganised the funding so that it reflects the need of every college and every student," the Head of State noted.

He explained that the decision was made in consultation with vice-chancellors and stakeholders at the Ministry of Education.

"The new funding mechanism is going to rescue our institutions of higher learning and put them on a proper funding trajectory that will make our university education more responsive," Ruto explained.

The President further promised the residents of West Pokot that his government will revive the university located in the region stating that every county should have at least one institution of higher learning.

On his part, Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetangula called on the leaders of the region to sensitise locals to take their children to school.

The speaker explained that education would go a long way in eradicating the banditry menace that affected the county for decades.

University Debt 

A report disclosed that universities owe a sum total of Ksh56 billion as of May 2023 with Kenyatta University and University of Nairobi owing the most to staff and government agencies.

The debt burden forced a number of institutions to shut down their satellite campuses and lay off their staff in a bid to cut costs.

Military Base

Ruto also promised that his government was ready to build a permanent military base in the area.

"We have bought them graders to come and open up the roads, sink boreholes and build dams so that this region can benefit from development just like others in the country," Ruto stated.

A photo collage of KDF officers during a training exercise (left) and suspected armed bandits (Right)
A photo collage of KDF officers during a training exercise (left) and suspected armed bandits (Right)
Photo
KENYA DEFENCE FORCES/Baringo News
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