NAIROBI, Kenya – Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has declared that no qualified student will be denied university admission due to non-payment of household contributions.
This directive aims to solidify the government’s commitment to making higher education accessible to all, regardless of their immediate financial circumstances.
Ogamba assured that all students who meet the criteria for university admission will secure their spots in their chosen institutions.
He emphasized that the lack of upfront payment for household contributions should not be a reason for turning away deserving students.
Public university vice-chancellors have been instructed to admit all qualified applicants without exception, ensuring that no one is left behind.
In addition to guaranteeing admission, the Ministry of Education is requiring universities to facilitate appropriate accommodation arrangements for first-year students.
These accommodations are to be provided with the understanding that the necessary fees will be covered once the upkeep funds are disbursed.
To further support this initiative, the Ministry is collaborating with the National Treasury to expedite the release of funds.
“These directives reflect the government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that no deserving student is denied the opportunity to pursue higher education due to financial constraints,” Ogamba stated.
For students with concerns or appeals regarding fees and funding, Ogamba directed them to contact university support teams during admission or reach out via the Higher Education Portal.
He assured that all appeals will be processed within three weeks from the date of application, ensuring timely financial support for those in need.
Recognizing the potential challenges faced by some students, the CS announced an extension of the application deadline to December 31, 2024. This extension aims to accommodate students who may experience delays in securing funding.
Looking ahead, Ogamba welcomed recommendations from Parliament and other stakeholders on enhancing the New Funding Model and improving the Means Testing Instrument.
He emphasized the need for a collaborative approach to develop a sustainable legal and policy framework for financing higher education.
This framework, he noted, will consolidate the various bursary and scholarship schemes provided by entities such as NG-CDF, County Governments, and other public and private partners.
“Combining these public resources will enhance equity and affordability in education, while also increasing efficiency by reducing wastage,” Ogamba explained. “We remain steadfast in our mission to provide quality education for all and will continue to work towards creating an inclusive, accessible, and equitable education system for every student in the country.”
This directive aims to solidify the government’s commitment to making higher education accessible to all, regardless of their immediate financial circumstances.
Ogamba assured that all students who meet the criteria for university admission will secure their spots in their chosen institutions.
He emphasized that the lack of upfront payment for household contributions should not be a reason for turning away deserving students.
Public university vice-chancellors have been instructed to admit all qualified applicants without exception, ensuring that no one is left behind.
In addition to guaranteeing admission, the Ministry of Education is requiring universities to facilitate appropriate accommodation arrangements for first-year students.
These accommodations are to be provided with the understanding that the necessary fees will be covered once the upkeep funds are disbursed.
To further support this initiative, the Ministry is collaborating with the National Treasury to expedite the release of funds.
“These directives reflect the government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that no deserving student is denied the opportunity to pursue higher education due to financial constraints,” Ogamba stated.
For students with concerns or appeals regarding fees and funding, Ogamba directed them to contact university support teams during admission or reach out via the Higher Education Portal.
He assured that all appeals will be processed within three weeks from the date of application, ensuring timely financial support for those in need.
Recognizing the potential challenges faced by some students, the CS announced an extension of the application deadline to December 31, 2024. This extension aims to accommodate students who may experience delays in securing funding.
Looking ahead, Ogamba welcomed recommendations from Parliament and other stakeholders on enhancing the New Funding Model and improving the Means Testing Instrument.
He emphasized the need for a collaborative approach to develop a sustainable legal and policy framework for financing higher education.
This framework, he noted, will consolidate the various bursary and scholarship schemes provided by entities such as NG-CDF, County Governments, and other public and private partners.
“Combining these public resources will enhance equity and affordability in education, while also increasing efficiency by reducing wastage,” Ogamba explained. “We remain steadfast in our mission to provide quality education for all and will continue to work towards creating an inclusive, accessible, and equitable education system for every student in the country.”
