William Ruto Appoints Team To Review Controversial University Funding Model After Public Uproar

• President William Ruto has established a National Committee to review the controversial new university education funding model after public outcry about its effectiveness
• The funding model was designed to provide equitable access to higher education through scholarships and loans but faced criticism over its Means Testing Instrument (MTI)
• The committee will consult stakeholders in the education sector, including industry experts and lobby groups, and will hold public consultations to gather input from students

Elijah Ntongai, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, has more than three years of financial, business, and technology research expertise, providing insights into Kenyan and global trends.

Nairobi — President William Ruto has established a national committee to review the controversial new university education funding model.

This follows widespread concerns from the public and stakeholders about its effectiveness.

The Presidential Working Party on Education Reform proposed a transformative approach to higher education financing, which was launched in May 2023, including an implementation of the new funding model.

The funding model, designed to provide equitable access to higher education through scholarships and loans, has faced criticism over its Means Testing Instrument (MTI) used to determine student eligibility.

Critics argue that the MTI has led to inconsistencies in costing methodologies for university programs, raising concerns about fairness and transparency in funding allocation.

Committee to review funding model

In response, President Ruto issued Executive Order No. 8 of 2024, forming a national committee with four key workstreams tasked with evaluating and refining the funding model to ensure it better serves the needs of Kenyan students.

"I, William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander in Chief of the Defence Forces, in exercise of the powers conferred upon me by the Constitution and the Statute Laws of the Republic of Kenya, do order and direct that the National Working Committee on Review of the New University Education Funding Model is hereby established" read the gazette notice in part.

What is the work of the committee?

The committee will address several areas, including the structure of student loans, the cost of university academic programs, and an appeals process for students dissatisfied with their eligibility categorisation.

The committee, drawn from various sectors including academia, finance, and public policy, will serve for eight weeks, reporting directly to the President through the Cabinet Secretary for Education.

The committee is expected to consult with various players in the education sector, including industry experts, lobby groups, and government agencies.

Public consultations will also be held to gather insights and suggestions from students and the wider public.

Earlier, TUKO.co.ke analysed all the details about the new university funding model and how much each applicant gets depending on the band placement.

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