The Ministry of Education has explained how the government plans to transition students to the proposed new higher education funding model amid delays that have left students, parents and institutions uncertain.

🇰🇪 Breaking It Down

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba clarified that students joining universities and other tertiary institutions in the September admission cycle will initially be funded through the existing system.

He explained that after Parliament approves the Tertiary Education, Placement and Funding Bill, 2026, students across different years of study and institutions will transition to the new framework.

“During this time, the first years will be admitted using the existing model. Once the new model becomes operational, as at the time the Bill becomes law, we will transition all our tertiary students, from first years to sixth years at universities, KMTC, TVETs and Teacher Training Colleges, into that model,” he said during a visit to the proposed Coast Region Educational Assessment and Resource Centre in Mombasa County on Friday, September 4.

📌 What You Need to Know

In addition, the CS sought to reassure first-year students awaiting financial support, saying funds had been set aside for their tuition and upkeep.

His remarks come after the ministry extended the funding application deadline for first-time university students and TVET trainees to September 21, with requests continuing to be processed under the existing Student-Centred Funding Model.

Ogamba confirmed that the money would likely be released to institutions next week after the ongoing assessment of applicants is completed.

“There is money for the first-year students and once that assessment is done, they will be getting their resources. Probably by next week, their money both in upkeep and tuition, will be in schools,” he said.

Newly admitted students have been facing delays in receiving government funding and some have reported paying different amounts towards their fees while waiting for clarity on the new framework.

Learners at some institutions have also raised concerns that they cannot complete academic registration because scholarship funds have not yet been released.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke