Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Daily Nation
Published on 2024-02-08 06:00:00
The year 2023 presented significant challenges in the higher education sector, particularly after the government overhauled the funding model for 35 public universities. The state transitioned from the Differentiated Unit Cost (DUC) and introduced a New Funding Model on May 3, 2023, in a bid to inject more funds into the 35 public universities facing massive debts amounting to over Sh60 billion, thus averting their imminent collapse.
President William Ruto and Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu noted that the newly introduced student-centered model would promote equity in funding students through scholarships, loans, or bursaries based on the students’ level of need. The President’s administration increased funds allocated to universities from Sh44 billion to Sh82 billion in the fiscal year to ensure sustainable financial support for thousands of students pursuing higher education.
In the face of these changes, several university students shared their outlook and aspirations for the year 2024. Mwangi Kimani, a Second Year student at Mount Kenya University pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication Distance Learning, expressed optimism about the year ahead. It is his hope that institutions of higher learning will adopt a system that allows students to attend lectures at specific times of the day while offering opportunities for practical application in their field of specialization. He emphasized the importance of technology in enhancing students’ skills and urged the state to invest in up-to-date technology in Technical and Vocational Education and Training institutions and universities.
Marvin Mubonga, a 23-year-old student at the Technical University of Mombasa studying electrical and electronic engineering, shared his desire to expand his businesses while also focusing on his studies in the coming year. He voiced concerns about the accessibility of Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) funds for students, highlighting the challenges faced by first-year students in applying for the funds due to stringent regulations. Marvin advocated for a more flexible approach to assessing students from humble backgrounds to ease the financial burden on those from less privileged households.
Catherine Juma, a Second Year Telecommunication and Information Engineering student at Dedan Kimathi University, discussed the financial constraints and academic pressures experienced by university students. She emphasized the importance of addressing mental health challenges among students, recommending financial aid, scholarships, and investments in guidance and counseling services to support struggling students.
Despite the challenges, each student expressed their aspirations for personal and academic growth in 2024. Mwangi looked forward to equipping and improving his fellow students with editing and writing skills, Marvin aimed to expand his businesses and pursue a French course, and Catherine planned to acquire more skills to boost her engineering aspirations.
The outlook for 2024 demonstrates the resilience and determination of these aspiring individuals, and their voices shed light on the pressing issues faced by university students in Kenya. As the higher education sector continues to evolve, the government and university stakeholders must address these challenges to ensure equitable access to quality education and support for all students.
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