The Departmental Committee on Education has questioned Ministry of Education officials over the implementation of the University Funding model and the state of university admissions.

In a session presided over by Chairperson, Hon. Julius Melly (Tinderet) the Committee met with Principal Secretary (PS), State Department of Higher Education and Research, Dr. Beatrice Muganda Inyangala , Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service,  Dr. Mercy Wahome,  CEO, Universities Fund, Mr. Geoffrey Monari and CEO, Higher Education Loans Board (HELB), Mr. Chrles Ringera.  

Members raised concerns about the University Funding Model's reliance on data sources including Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), and mobile network providers, which they said, could disadvantage students from rural areas and those in informal employment sectors where formal registration is limited.

The Committee questioned the accuracy of the data collected for the funding model, particularly for students in rural areas with limited access to formal employment and social programs. 

"Does this funding model take into account people who do not have NHIF or KRA or even National Identity Cards? A number of people in rural areas do not have these documents," Lugari MP, Hon. Nabii Nabwera said.

Kabondo Kasipul MP, Hon. Eve Obara sought to know if the variables used by the Ministry through the model are verifiable

 According to submissions by PS, Dr. Inyangala, in the new funding model, students are assessed and placed in financial aid bands that determine the percentage of their university fees covered by scholarships, loans provided by HELB, and household contributions.

On his part, Mr. Ringera, told the Committee that multiple data sources are used to verify applicant information and in the funding model, including the KRA, National Integrated Population Registry Service (NIPRS), HELB, and National Employment Authority (NEA).

Members, however, pointed out that in the past parents had received university admission letters without a clear breakdown of Government scholarships, HELB and their contribution as per the funding model.

"The University admission letters with huge figures are causing panic in parents and students," Hon. Melly said

Members of the Education Committee recounted details of parents, particularly those representing the most vulnerable students, were discouraged from applying for funding due to this lack of clarity on whether they will receive aid.

Speaking on the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) application portal, legislators further pointed out challenges with the KUCCPS application portal.

Dr. Inyangala acknowledged the concerns raised by the Members and pledged to address them.