Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba said no qualified student should be turned away for non-payment of fees.
He ensured that those who are qualified for university admission have a place in the institutions of their choice, regardless of their ability to immediately pay the fees.
Ogamba said vice-chancellors of public universities have been directed to admit all qualified students without exception. In addition, the Vice-Chancellors are asked to facilitate appropriate accommodation for first-year students. Ogamba said this should be done with the assurance that the necessary fees would be paid with the disbursement of the maintenance component.
The CS said the ministry was working with the National Treasury to expedite the release of the necessary funds.
“These guidelines reflect the government’s unwavering commitment to ensure that no deserving student is denied the opportunity to pursue higher education because of financial constraints,” he said.
Ogamba said students with queries or appeals regarding fees and funding should contact the university’s post-admission teams or through the Higher Education Portal at www.hef.co.ke.
He assured that complaints will be processed within three weeks from the date of application, thus ensuring timely financial support to students in need. “The deadline for applications has been extended until December 31, 2024, to accommodate those who may face delays,” he said. He welcomed the recommendations of Parliament and other stakeholders to strengthen the new funding model and improve the means test instrument.
On the sustainable funding of tertiary education, Ogamba said they will work seriously with all stakeholders to develop a legal and political framework.
He said the framework consolidates the various scholarship and bursary programs offered by various entities such as the NG-CDF, county governments, the Ministry of Education and other public and private actors.
“Combining these public resources will improve equity and accessibility in education and also increase efficiency by eliminating waste,” he said. “We are committed to our mission of providing quality education for all and will continue to work to create an inclusive, accessible and equitable education system for every student in the country.”
