The Chairperson of the Council of Economic Advisers, David Ndii, has clarified that university fees have not increased, easing concerns among students set to join higher learning institutions in September.
Students across the country had expressed concerns stating that the fees proposed by various institutions across the country are higher compared to previous years.
In a statement, Ndii dismissed the increment claims, stating that the fees universities are publishing have been on their prospectus all along and are what self-sponsored students pay.
He explained that this was due to the new funding model which aims to provide government assistance to all students, ensuring a smooth transition to higher learning institutions.
Ndii further explained that under the new funding model, students seeking government funding are required to apply after gaining admission to various institutions.
This approach, he said is similar to the system used by universities in foreign countries, which separate the finance and admission functions.
"Typically the university website will direct you to sources of financial assistance. No fees, and no enrollment. The difference here is that the government will continue to offer financing to the majority using a combination of scholarship and loans based on ability," he added.
Under the new funding model, students must apply for government financial assistance, whereas previously, those who met the minimum university entry requirements were automatically funded.
Ndii further poked holes into the old model claiming that it turned education into a profit-focused system that disadvantaged learners.
"Some critical courses like agriculture have virtually collapsed. Universities declared few places in high-demand courses like medicine to enroll self-sponsored students paying full fees," he added.
Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu launched the new funding model in July, aiming to grant universities more autonomy and prevent them from becoming mere extensions of the government. The model classifies students into three categories: the vulnerable, the less vulnerable, and the able.
Moreover, under the new model, universities and TVETs will no longer receive block funding based on differentiated unit costs. Instead, funding will be distributed according to the categorised groups of students, resulting in a shift from the previous funding distribution method.
