Lawmakers' have demanded that the Ministry of Education streamline the implementation of the university funding model and consider consolidating funding streams to make university education free.  

 In a meeting chaired by the Speaker of the National Assembly, Rt. Hon. Moses Wetang'ula, MPs called for the consolidation of various funding streams, including those from MCAs, MPs, Women Representatives, Governors, Higher Education Loans Board (HELB), and University Fund.

 Speaker Wetang'ula backed the proposal emphasizing the need for a streamlined funding process.

  “We have MCAs, MPs, Women Representatives, Governors, HELB loans, the University Fund, Presidential bursaries, and private institutions offering bursaries.  These funds should be amalgamated. The Ministry of Education should make a policy and legal framework to streamline this process. We can actually make free education a reality," he said.

 Legislators also raised concerns about the University Funding model's impact on students, particularly those from marginalized areas, during the meeting with Principal Secretary, State Department of Higher Education and Research, Dr. Beatrice Muganda, Vice-Chancellor, University of Embu, and the Chairman, Vice-Chancellor’s Committee, Prof. Daniel  Njiru, and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Universities Fund, Mr. Geoffrey Monari.

 Members sought to know whether all students would benefit from the new funding model noting that a majority of students do not have national ID cards despite applying.

 In addition, several Members highlighted the challenges faced by students in rural constituencies due to poor internet connectivity.

 In response, Dr. Muganda assured the MPs that students without ID cards could use alternative identification documents including Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) index numbers and certificates. 

 Further, legislators raised concerns over the accuracy of the Means Testing Instrument (MTI) in assessing students' financial ability and determining which Band to place them in. 

 However, the PS assured the Members that the Government is committed to equity and pointed out that measures are in place to address the concerns raised.

 Members also pointed out the challenges of communication between the Ministry, universities, and the public leading to confusion and misinformation.

 On the concerns about communication, Dr. Muganda said the Ministry had communicated well on the funding model but acknowledged the need for improvement. She assured the House that the Ministry was working closely with vice chancellors to ensure students were not turned away from universities.