MPs Tell Universities to Recall Admission Letters to Correct Fee Figures
Universities will receive directives to retract admission letters distributed to students enrolling this year to rectify fee discrepancies. Dr. Beatrice Inyangala, Principal Secretary of Higher Education, elucidates that this measure aims to delineate fees pertinent to household budgets, excluding government subsidies, thus fostering transparency.
The decision stems from parliamentary pressure, with MPs contending that exorbitant figures in admission letters deter student enrollment in respective courses.
During the National Assembly’s Education Committee session on Tuesday, Ministry officials faced intense scrutiny regarding various issues pertaining to student placement in higher learning institutions and their financial support.
The spotlight was particularly on the revamped model for funding higher education, with lawmakers questioning the methodology employed by the university education funding to categorize students into different brackets for scholarships and loans issuance.
Marakwet MP Timothy Toroitich voiced concerns, questioning the country’s hastiness in adopting the new funding model. He highlighted feedback from students, particularly those from farming backgrounds, suggesting that the Differentiated Unit Cost (DUC) model was more effective than the current system.
Further inquiry delved into the trend where students opt for medical programs over other university courses. MPs sought clarification on the ministry’s strategies to address this phenomenon.
The new funding model prioritizes students’ financial circumstances and detaches placement from financial support, considering the course’s cost. However, MPs raised alarm over reports of students abandoning courses due to cost implications reflected in admission letters.
Education Committee Chairperson Julius Melly urged immediate action from the ministry, directing the withdrawal of admission letters and issuance of revised ones reflecting household fees.
Responding to the committee’s directives, Dr. Inyangala committed to instructing universities to retract the letters promptly.
Meanwhile, the ministry lamented financial constraints, citing a shortfall in the release of funds allocated for higher education. Out of the Ksh. 102 billion budgeted, Ksh. 29 billion remains outstanding, significantly impacting universities and students alike.
HELB CEO Charles Ringera underscored the adverse effects of scholarship and loan disbursement delays on students, emphasizing financial strain jeopardizing their educational pursuits.
Additionally, the ministry pledged to reassess the criteria for categorizing students for financial aid, citing a year-long review of the model’s performance.
In Other News: How to Buy Stocks with Bitcoin? Invest in Traditional Markets with Cryptocurrency
MPs Tell Universities to Recall Admission Letters to Correct Fee Figures