© Victor Ochieng’
Initially, there was the Differentiated Unit Cost (DUC) model where the government provided financial support to students based on cost of specific courses. Then, came the new one, Variable Scholarship and Loan Funding (VSLF) model, which Justice Chacha Mwita at High Court ruled recently to be unconstitutional and lacked public participation.
Going by the new funding model, university students are to get State funding for their tertiary education based on where they fall in 4 categories. Report of the Presidential Working Party on Education Reform chaired by Prof Raphael Munavu proposed the categories as: Vulnerable, extremely needy, needy and less needy. Then, in the recent past, there was a slight review of the model. The introduction of 5 categories: Band 1-5. Band 1(previously vulnerable), band 2 (previously extremely needy), band 3 (previously needy) and band 4 (previously less needy). Then, there is band 5 (new category).
Chiefs and local pastors are to play an integral role in identifying various categories of students through a system known as Means Testing Instrument, developed by the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB).
Based on the category, a student will get different levels of funding in form of scholarships, loans and household contributions. In order to determine a student level of need, HELB will use these parameters: Parent background, gender and course, school type, expenditure on education, family size and composition, marginalisation and person living with disability.
First Funding Formula
Vulnerable students were to get full funding through 82% scholarship from the government, and 18% of HELB loan. The extremely needy were to get 70% scholarship, and 30% HELB loan. Households of students in categories of vulnerable and extremely needy students were not expected raise any amount. The needy were to get 53% scholarship, 40% HELB loan. The less needy were to get 38% scholarship, 55% loan. In that funding formula, households of students falling in the categories of needy and less needy were to raise 7% of the fee.
All students who scored C+ (plus) and above, were to apply. It is how they would be eligible for scholarship consideration. Albeit, students should take note. That in the new funding formula, students who matriculate into private universities, will not be eligible for government scholarships. Moreover, for those who are eligible, the government will consider merit, level of need, national priorities and affirmative action when selecting beneficiaries.
Reviewed Funding Formula
In the reviewed funding formula, all categories (Band 1-5) are eligible for scholarships and HELB loan. Then, all household will have a certain percentage of fee to raise. Consequently, there will be Upkeep Boom for each category. Band 1 (previously vulnerable) will get 70% scholarship, 25% HELB loan, household will pay 5% and the upkeep boom will be Sh 60,000. Band 2 (previously extremely needy) will get 60% scholarship, 30% HELB loan, household will pay 10% and upkeep boom will be Sh 55,000. Band 3 (previously needy) will get 50% scholarship, 30% HELB loan, household will pay 20% and upkeep boom will be Sh 50,000. Band 4 (previously less needy) will get 40% scholarship, 30% HELB loan, household will pay 30% and upkeep boom will be Sh 45,000. Band 5 (new category), will get 30% scholarship, 30% HELB loan, household will pay 40%, and upkeep boom will be Sh 40,000.
The writer guides students on how to make informed career choices. vochieng.90@gmail.com. 0704420232
