Head of Public Service Felix Koskei has highlighted an issue with the new Higher Education Funding model, which has led to many students missing out on scholarships and loans due to incorrect information.
Koskei noted that students who falsely claim their parents hold high-status positions, such as managing director, may be misclassified into Band 5, which is designated for families with a monthly income exceeding KES 120,000.
“If the information giver wrote that the father or mother is a managing director perhaps trying to elevate himself or herself, then automatically you will go to band 5 because you’re earning a KES 1 million,” Koskei explained.
This misclassification, he warned, could result in students being denied financial aid intended for those in lower income bands.
The new funding model, which replaces the previous Differentiated Unit Cost system, allocates support based on a family’s monthly income, categorized into five bands.
This shift aims to address financial need directly, but some students have expressed concerns that it might widen the gap between rich and poor.
Education CS Julius Ogamba defended the new model, asserting that it ensures students receive financial support tailored to their needs.
“The government has allocated funds to universities, and students are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity. We have instructed universities to admit students regardless of their financial capacity,” Ogamba said.
Higher Education Principal Secretary Beatrice Inyangala reassured students that they should report to their universities by August 26, 2024, without worrying about fees.
“The VCs will help you, and once the amount is determined, you will pay according to the policy,” Inyangala stated. She also advised students to visit the portal www.hef.co.ke for any issues, promising that concerns would be addressed within three weeks.
