CS Ogamba: Changes coming to University funding model before full rollout

The government will adjust the new university funding model before its full rollout, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has said.

Speaking in Homa Bay County, the CS assured Kenyans that the modifications will follow recommendations made by the National Committee on the Review of the Model.

The funding model has faced criticism from parents and students, with complaints that some beneficiaries were placed in incorrect financial categories, affecting the level of support they received.

Some parents even took legal action to have the model scrapped, leading to a High Court order halting its implementation.

However, the Court of Appeal later overturned this decision, allowing the government to proceed.

“The court has pronounced itself on the implementation of the new funding model. I say that the government will implement the funding model with modification in accordance with the suggested changes,” Ogamba said during Homa Bay County Education Day at Homa Bay High School on Thursday.

The CS added that in compliance with the court ruling, the government will publish the framework for the revised model within 14 days, ensuring transparency for current and future university students.

He emphasized that the funding model was introduced to address financial struggles that had affected universities in recent years.

"The model was started to end the financial problems which affected disadvantaged students in universities. Let Kenyans support the model," Ogamba said.

According to the CS, the government has already spent Sh41 billion to fund the education of 240,000 university students under the new structure.

He was accompanied by Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) CEO Charles Ong’ondo, Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma, and Karachuonyo MP Adipo Okuome.

Ogamba also said the government has taken steps to ensure a smooth transition for learners advancing from junior to senior secondary school under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).

This includes expanding school infrastructure to prevent shortages in learning facilities.

“The Ministry of Education has employed more than 76,000 teachers, and through collaboration with the NG-CDF, we have put proper infrastructure for learners in junior secondary schools. There will be seamless transition from junior to senior secondary schools,” Ogamba said.

KICD CEO Charles Ong’ondo announced that preparations for senior secondary education are in progress. He said curriculum designs have been developed and will be distributed starting in June.

“KICD is dispatching the curriculum design through the Ministry of Education officials in the next two months,” Ong’ondo said.

He added that textbook evaluations will begin next month, with distribution expected to start in June.

“All school heads will receive books in a month after commencement of the distribution. Schools should receive textbooks in time,” he stated.

Governor Wanga urged all stakeholders to work together to support education initiatives.

She also highlighted her administration’s efforts in boosting early childhood education.

“My administration is also supporting education through giving bursaries. Homa Bay government has constructed an additional 240 ECDE classrooms from the two that we found in 2022,” Wanga said.