Nairobi, Kenya – August 21, 2024: Chief Justice Martha Koome has proposed a radical shift in Kenya's education funding approach, suggesting that the consolidation of all government bursaries, loans, and scholarships into a single fund could make education free for all learners. Her remarks come amid growing concerns over the new university education funding model, which has sparked criticism for its perceived inequalities.
Challenges with the New Funding Model
Speaking on Wednesday, CJ Koome expressed her dismay over the grouping of students into financial bands under the new funding model, which has left some learners from financially disadvantaged backgrounds in higher bands that require them to pay more fees. She described the situation as unjust, citing instances where students who should be in Band 1—reserved for the neediest—have been placed in Band 5, which is meant for students from well-off families.
“I stopped watching news because of these very depressing items that keep flashing to our faces to remind us how unequal and how unjust we are in a society,” Koome said. “That a child who has qualified to go to university can be there crying saying I have been put in Band 5 when I ought to be in Band 1 and therefore I cannot afford to go to university.”
Under the current model, Band 1 students, from households earning below Sh5,995 per month, receive up to 95% government support through scholarships and loans. In contrast, Band 5 students, from households earning above Sh120,000 per month, receive only 60% government support, with their families expected to cover the remaining 40%.
Call for a Consolidated Education Fund
CJ Koome argued that consolidating the various bursary funds from governors, women representatives, MPs, and MCAs, along with loans from the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) and scholarships, could create a substantial fund capable of providing free education. She highlighted the inefficiency and potential for inequity in the current fragmented system, where multiple entities disburse educational support.
“There’s a bursary fund from the taxpayers’ money given to the governor, women rep, given to the MP through CDF and MCA,” she noted. “All those bursaries, how are they disbursed? Why don’t you put them in Education and make Education free for all?”
Aligning with Legislative Push
CJ Koome’s remarks align with recent calls from members of the National Assembly for a similar consolidation. Led by Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, MPs have been advocating for the amalgamation of all state bursaries, loans, and scholarships into one fund to ensure affordable or even free university education. Wetang’ula suggested that such a policy could be formalized into law, making higher education accessible to all Kenyans.
“MCAs are giving bursaries, the Woman Representative is giving bursaries, the MP is giving bursaries, HELB is disbursing bursaries, University Fund is giving funds,” Wetang’ula said. “If you can generate policy, this House will be more than happy to turn it into a law so that we can amalgamate and consolidate these funds.”
Addressing Complaints and Moving Forward
The ongoing debates have highlighted issues with the new funding model, particularly the misplacement of students into incorrect financial bands. The State Department for Higher Education and Research PS, Beatrice Inyangala, acknowledged the mix-ups and advised affected students to appeal their banding results through the Higher Education Fund portal. The government has also set up desks at universities to assist with these complaints.
As discussions continue, the idea of consolidating all education-related funds into one comprehensive system is gaining traction, with the potential to transform Kenya's educational landscape and make higher education accessible to all, regardless of financial background.
In Summary:
- Chief Justice Martha Koome has suggested that consolidating all government bursaries, loans, and scholarships into a single fund could make education free in Kenya.
- Koome criticized the new university funding model, highlighting the injustice faced by financially disadvantaged students placed in higher fee-paying bands.
- Parliament has also pushed for the consolidation of education funds, with Speaker Moses Wetang’ula proposing a policy that could be turned into law to ensure affordable university education.
