Babu Owino Opposes New University Funding Model
The recently disclosed higher education funding plan has been criticized by Embakasi East MP Babu Owino.
According to Owino, the new paradigm will restrict access to education to the wealthy.
“The average cost of a university degree is Sh300,000. Students in need are required to pay Sh20,000. Where would a needy student earn Sh21,000 when they can’t even afford a lunch that costs Sh50 per day? Owino stopped.
On Thursday, he was talking to the press when he said this.
According to Owino, the new approach will bring back corruption in the distribution of funds for higher education.
Tribalism, nepotism, marginalization, and bribery will be taken into account instead of merit in this case, he claimed.
Wednesday saw the introduction of a need-based funding plan for college students by President William Ruto.
Three groups of students—those who are less vulnerable, more vulnerable, and able—were described by Ruto.
“For the first time, kids from low-income families will have equitable access to higher education and TVET opportunities. Their households shall not contribute in any way to their children’s education, added Ruto.
Owino, however, has questioned the standards used to distinguish between pupils with and without financial need.
According to the MP, wealthy students go abroad to study while others in need stay home.
According to him, the government has just launched a new massive corruption program in which underprivileged students will be required to pay bribes in order to receive full scholarships.
The new funding model, according to the President, will go into force at the start of the upcoming fiscal year and will benefit the new cohort of 173,127 students who will enroll in universities and 145,325 who will enroll in TVET institutions.
In the meantime, the President pledged an increase in funding for higher education to Sh84.6 billion in the fiscal year 2023–2024, a 56% increase over the present budget.
According to him, the new funding consists of a budgetary provision of Sh53 billion and Sh31.6 for HELB loans.
Babu Owino Opposes New University Funding Model
