Kibra MP Peter Orero Criticises University Funding Model, Calls For Student-Centered Approach

• Kibra MP Peter Orero has raised concerns over the new university funding model, calling for a more student-centred approach
• Orero criticised the financial bands used to allocate funding, arguing they do not accurately reflect the financial situations of many students
• He emphasised that the high tuition fees heavily burden students from poor families, urging the government to make necessary improvements
• Orero called for a review of the model to ensure education remains accessible to all students, regardless of socio-economic background

Didacus Malowa, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.

Nairobi - Kibra MP Mwalimu Peter Orero has raised concerns over the new university funding model, urging the government to adopt a more student-centred approach.

Orero's remarks have added to the raging debate surrounding the new funding model, with many stakeholders echoing calls for reforms to ensure it caters needs of learners from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Speaking to TUKO.co.ke during a fundraiser dinner for the Olympic Primary School stadium, Orero criticised the current model, which places students in different financial bands based on a set of weighted parameters.

The lawmaker argued that the parameters are neither equitable nor reflective of the true financial situations of many students.

"The CS was in parliament, and we, as members of the Education Committee we have oversight role over the Cs and the PS of the Ministry of Education. This funding model, we have discussed it for a long time. Since last year, in fact, Uh we were not satisfied; just like other Kenyans, we were not satisfied that the parameters used to determine the kind of bands that the students are located in. The weights that they are put on those parameters are not authentic," the MP opined.

Orero observed that the model needs significant improvements to ensure fair access to education for all students, regardless of their socio-economic background.

What is Orero's input on new university funding model?

The lawmaker pointed out that the burden of high tuition fees weighs heavily on students from poor families, adding that the committee is set to meet with the Cabinet Secretary for Education, Julius Ogamba, to review and provide input on the model.

"Now, as a committee, we will have a meeting with the CS also to give our input and ensure that, as Kenyans, we get the right model; we look at how the DUC was working. And how this new model can be improved and implemented," he told TUKO.co.ke.

In his remarks, Orero called for the funding model to prioritise students' needs rather than focusing solely on universities' financial demands.

He reiterated the importance of ensuring that education remains accessible to all, regardless of their financial standing.

"The idea is good but how the weighted parameters have been put is what brings the problem. We need to do more, a lot, a lot of research on how these students can benefit. It should be student-centred and not university-centred. It should take care of our students. And all those who are from poor backgrounds be given the opportunity to get an education without necessarily being put in bands, like band five, where they cannot afford to pay the university fees," he added.

Ruto appoints task force to review university funding model

Earlier, President William Ruto named a 129-member task force to review the new university funding model.

The committee to be chaired by Japhet Micheni Ntiba will, among other things, review the structure of student loans.

University students had threatened to strike over the new funding model, which they termed disadvantageous.

Proofreading by Otukho Jackson, a multimedia journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke