Education Principal Secretary Beatrice Inyangala on Tuesday addressed the concerns surrounding the newly implemented university funding model, explaining why a significant number of students have been placed in Bands 4 and 5 despite having lower household incomes.

During a session in the National Assembly, PS Inyangala acknowledged the uproar from parents, many of whom were surprised to find their children assigned to the highest fee bands, requiring payments of Ksh67,000 or more.

Inyangala revealed that the government’s classification relied heavily on the type of high school attended by students, with most students who attended national schools being placed in higher bands due to their higher school fees, typically above Ksh53,000.

She also noted that the University Fund used data provided by students themselves, which may have been incomplete or inaccurate. Some students who attended top schools through financial aid, such as harambees, may have been reluctant to disclose their financial situations, leading to their placement in higher bands.

"Without reliable data on income, it is very difficult for us to use income precisely to predict for the time being," Inyangala explained. She added that the skew towards national schools, where fees are higher, influenced the classification.

Despite these issues, Inyangala emphasized that students who failed to demonstrate financial need were more likely to be placed in higher bands. She encouraged affected families to appeal their classifications, suggesting that further assessments, including home visits, could be conducted.

University Fund CEO Geoffrey Monari, who also spoke at the session, reassured families that the classification process is not final. He urged those dissatisfied with their assigned bands to reapply with additional information. Monari highlighted that representatives have been dispatched to universities to assist students with the application process.

Funding Bands Overview

• Band 1: For extremely needy students, the government covers 70% of education costs via scholarships and 25% via loans, leaving 5% for families. Students receive Ksh60,000.

• Band 2: For low-income households, the government provides a 60% scholarship and a 30% loan, with families covering 10%. Students receive Ksh55,000.

• Band 3: For households with incomes between Ksh23,670 and Ksh70,000, students receive a 50% scholarship and a 30% loan, with families contributing 20%. Students are eligible for Ksh50,000.

• Band 4: For families with incomes between Ksh70,000 and Ksh120,000, students receive a 40% scholarship and a 30% loan, with families expected to cover 30%.

• Band 5: For families earning more than Ksh120,000, families contribute 40% of education costs, receive a 30% loan, and do not receive a scholarship.