President Ruto Defends New University Funding Model Amid Court Suspension
Said lack of clarity in financing education had long been a major contributor to the ongoing challenges faced by learning institutions.
By Dorothy Yegon
President William Ruto on Tuesday defended the Controversial new university funding model , a High court ruling in October that temporarily suspended implementation.
The suspension that froze the disbursement of scholarships and loans to over 200,000 students has plunged universities into financial crisis.
In his defensive, President Ruto urged that the lack of clarity in financing education had long been a major contributor to the ongoing challenges faced by learning institutions.
"We have decided this time around to bite the bullet and sort out the funding in our children" he said.
The New funding model which was introduced in september 2023 aims to streamline the allocation of financial resources to students with the goal of supporting more learners.
However, the government decision to freeze the funding has left thousands of students without crucial financial assistance , while universities struggle to stay afloat.
According to reports presented to National Assembly Education Committee 234,811 students Admitted to universities in 2023 and 2024 are currently benefiting from new model.
However only 2.8 billion of the allocated Ksh 13 billion in scholarship has been disbursed leaving the government owing universities Ksh 10.2 billion.
The Court order halting the disbursement has further intensified the crisis, as the case is now set to be determined on December 16 meaning universities will continue to operate without funding until then.
The new funding model ,despite its ambitious goals faces significant hurdles as the legal process unfolds leaving both students and institutions in a state of uncertainty.
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