2023 KCSE Students Set to Receive Updated Admission Letters and Fee Structures Starting Monday
Nairobi, Kenya – The government has announced that all universities must ensure that first-year students receive their updated admission letters and fee structures by Monday, August 19, 2024. This follows a directive from President William Ruto aimed at reflecting the new financial arrangements under the Student-Centered Funding Model.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba confirmed that the updated admission letters for students who completed the 2023 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) have been released. These letters will provide detailed information about the new fee structures, which are now adjusted based on the economic backgrounds and financial needs of individual students.
New Funding Model for Students
The Student-Centered Funding Model, introduced by the Kenya Kwanza administration, is designed to allocate financial aid based on each student’s specific circumstances. According to CS Ogamba, the model considers factors such as family income, socio-demographic conditions, and the overall financial burden of education on the household.
“President William Ruto has directed all universities to release the revised fee structures that outline the annual household contribution towards the cost of degree programs. This move is intended to make higher education more accessible and equitable for all students,” stated Ogamba in his Friday address.
The government has committed to disbursing KSh 25.3 billion in scholarships and loans to support the 2024/25 cohort. Under this model, students will be categorized into five predetermined bands based on their financial needs, with the level of funding determined accordingly.
Ongoing Support for Students
Ogamba emphasized that the Ministry of Education is committed to ensuring that all eligible students receive the financial support they need. He urged students with questions or concerns about their fees to use the Higher Education Portal, which will remain open for inquiries and new applications.
“The application portal will stay open to accommodate additional applicants, and the Ministry assures that all new applications will be processed promptly. Students who have not yet applied for financial aid are encouraged to do so immediately to ensure their applications are processed on time,” Ogamba added.
Impact of Finance Bill 2024 Withdrawal
However, concerns have been raised following the reduction of the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) budget by KSh 710 million in the latest estimates. This budget cut could significantly impact the funding available for the 153,292 first-year students placed in universities by the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Services (KUCCPS).
Dr. Inyangala, a representative of the education sector, warned that if these budget cuts are not reversed, many students could face financial difficulties that might disrupt their academic progress.
The situation remains fluid, and the government is expected to make further announcements as the academic year progresses.
