Private Universities issue Threats to KUCCPS
In response to notable changes in Kenya’s higher education sector, private university Vice-Chancellors (VCs) are poised to be excluded from the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) board, as proposed in the 2023 Universities (Amendment) Bill currently under parliamentary discussion. This bill aims to reshape the composition of the KUCCPS board to accommodate recent shifts in government funding for higher education.
The primary motivation behind this proposed law is the transformation of government funding for university and college students. The new funding model prioritizes financial assistance based on students’ financial needs, departing from the previous Differentiated Unit Cost model.
A significant change is the removal of the two Vice-Chancellors representing private universities on the KUCCPS board. This change aligns with the discontinuation of government financial support for students attending private institutions.
Consequently, private university leaders will no longer influence student placement and funding in Kenya’s higher education system.
The fresh funding model allocates funds to individual students based on four need categories: vulnerable, extremely needy, needy, and less needy. This shift aims to provide more substantial financial support to students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, ensuring equitable access to quality higher education.
The criteria used to classify students into these categories encompass factors such as their parents’ background, gender, course type, marginalization, disability, family size, and composition. This comprehensive approach to determining financial aid levels intends to address the diverse needs of students across Kenya.
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This legislative change underscores the government’s commitment to promoting equitable access to higher education while adapting to the evolving landscape of private institutions. By focusing on students’ financial needs, Kenya aims to foster inclusivity and offer opportunities to all, regardless of their economic circumstances.
In conclusion, the proposed 2023 Universities (Amendment) Bill represents a crucial moment in Kenya’s higher education history, signifying a transition toward a more inclusive and needs-based approach to funding.
It ensures that students from all backgrounds have the opportunity to pursue higher education. While it may alter the composition of the KUCCPS board, its overarching objective is to create a fairer and more accessible education system for future generations.
Private Universities issue Threats to KUCCPS
