Kenya's University Funding: A Senator's Critique of the New Model

Kenya's University Funding Model Faces Challenges: Senator Mungatana Highlights Implementation Issues Nairobi, Kenya – The implementation of Kenya's new university funding model is facing significant challenges, according to Senator Danson Mungatana of Tana River County. In a recent interview with TV47, Mungatana highlighted the difficulties of accurately categorizing students into different funding bands based on their financial needs. "The biggest challenge in the university funding model is shifting students between bands," Mungatana stated. "The theory sounds good but putting it into practice is a nightmare." The new model aims to ensure equitable access to university education, but the means-testing process is proving problematic. Mungatana explained that students from different socioeconomic backgrounds are not always accurately placed into the appropriate funding categories, leading to inequitable distribution of financial aid. He also discussed the difficulties of students who are studying medicine and other high cost courses, but who come from low income families. This has caused significant stress for students and their families. The government is working to address these challenges, but the process will likely take time. Mungatana's comments highlight the need for a more effective and equitable university funding system in Kenya.