SPEECH BY HON. EZEKIEL MACHOGU, CBS, CABINET SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF EDUCATION DURING THE LAUNCH OF THE NEW FUNDING MODEL APPLICATION PORTAL ON 31ST OF JULY 2023 AT THE KENYA SCHOOL GOVERNMENT, NAIROBI

Ladies and Gentlemen,

On 3rd May 2023, H.E. the President Dr. William Samoei Ruto unveiled the New Funding Model, to address the current financial challenges at Institutions of Higher Learning because of increasing enrolments with inadequate funding. In total, our universities are indebted to the tune of over Ksh. 60 billion, which is ever expanding.

Similarly, for Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) Institutions, the challenge is no different. The increasing enrolment has led to a reduction in funding per trainee (capitation grant) over the years, from KSh30,000 to as low as Ksh 17,000 a year.

Subsequently, the Government has provided scholarships and loans to students who will be joining Universities and TVET institutions, effective 2023/2024 Financial Year. The New Funding Model which delinks placement OF Students

with funding of students. It introduces a student-centered funding model rather than block funding to institutions. Fundamentally grants/scholarships will now be awarded on a need basis just like loans have been awarded in the past. In the New Funding Model all Scholarship, Loans and Bursaries will have to be Means Tested for each loan applicant. Consequently, funding to students will be funded according to their level of need level and programme cost.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

For the first time, students whose households are at the bottom of the pyramid shall enjoy equal opportunities in accessing university and TVET education through 100% Government Funding. This means, their households are not expected to pay anything for the programme cost and additionally the student will receive upkeep from the Loan proceeds. Out of the 2022 KCSE graduates, over 45,000 university students and 42,000 TVET students categorized as vulnerable and extremely needy, will be fully funded under the Government Scholarships and Loans. The categorization will be realized through a reliable scientific method (Means Testing Instrument – MTI), used to determine the student’s level of financial needs, to ensure they are supported adequately. However, the continuing students will not be affected by this funding model and will continue to receive their funding based on the Government’s existing model.

Following the president’s directive on 3rd May 2023 to roll out the New Funding Model, the government has developed and completed the Higher Education Financing Portal, to receive applications for both Scholarships, Loans and Bursaries for University and TVET students. Students who require funding MUST make formal application through Higher Education Financing portal (www.hef.co.ke). It is now my pleasure to announce that the Scholarships, Loans and Bursaries application platform will be opened with effect from midnight today the 31st July 2023 and will remain up to midnight of 27th August 2023.

I therefore direct the Vice Chancellors and Principals to ensure letters of admission are released by 2nd August 2023. Other relevant government agencies should also ensure smooth and successful implementation of this model.

In conclusion, I now wish to declare the Higher Education Financing Portal (www.hef.co.ke) officially opened.

Thank you all and God bless you.

HON. EZEKIEL MACHOGU, CBS, CABINET SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF EDUCATION