Taita Taveta Vice Chancellor, Professor Fred Barasa, has stepped forward to address the rising concerns among students and parents over Kenya’s newly introduced university funding model.
Speaking on Friday during the orientation ceremony for over 1,100 new students, the highest intake the university has ever had since its inception, Prof. Barasa acknowledged the apprehensions linked to the new system but provided strong assurances of the model’s potential to improve both the quality and accessibility of higher education in the country.
Prof. Barasa highlighted the controversies and misunderstandings that have clouded discussions around the new funding mechanism, particularly the worries many students have expressed about taking university loans.
“I understand that there has been a lot of controversy, misunderstanding, and perhaps misinterpretation, and maybe wrong understanding of the model that makes it face rejection” he stated.
However, he quickly reminded the students that loans have long been an integral part of university education, sharing his personal experience of borrowing money while studying, which he repaid for over a decade while working at Egerton University.
“I repaid my loan for over 10 years. Without that financial aid, I would not be where I am today. If someone had chosen not to extend that loan to me, I would never have managed to get that education and become a VC,” he explained.
The Vice Chancellor offered a comprehensive comparison between the new funding scheme and the former Differentiated Unit Cost (DUC) model, under which the government covered 80% of program costs while students and their families bore the remaining 20%.
According to him, the previous approach had become outdated and unsustainable, with universities struggling to maintain educational quality due to financial constraints.
He pointed out that the fees’ structure had been established more than 35 years ago stating that it fails to reflect the rising costs associated with modern university programs.
In contrast, the new funding scheme introduces a tripartite system consisting of household contributions, loans, and scholarships. This, the VC said would ensure that universities could cover the actual costs of programs while easing the financial burden on students.
To clarify the financial implications, he cited specific examples from the university’s programs. The VC noted that engineering courses at Taita Taveta University cost Sh. 336,000 annually.
Under the new model, students classified as Band 1, who are considered economically disadvantaged, would only pay Sh. 16,000 per year representing 5%, which he said is the same amount they paid under the old model. The government would cover 95% of the program’s cost, with 70% coming from scholarships and 25% as a loan.
For less expensive programs such as those in Education Arts, the cost stands at Sh. 183,000. A Band 1 student would be required to pay Sh. 9,000 annually which translates to Sh. 4,500 per semester, significantly easing the financial strain on families.
“We don’t see any significant increase in what students will need to pay,” the VC stated, reassuring students and parents that the transition to the new model would not result in exorbitant fees.
Highlighting the university’s strong partnerships with local leaders, including Members of Parliament, Members of the County Assembly, and the Senator, who frequently sponsor students, the VC emphasized the institution’s commitment to supporting students beyond just academics.
Prof. Barasa also mentioned that the university offers a work-study program that allows students facing financial difficulties to work part-time on campus to earn money for their education.
“We encourage students facing payment challenges to speak with their leaders. At our university, accommodation costs are very reasonable. If two students share a room, it’s Sh. 1,000 each, and they get a room that costs Sh. 2,000 per month,” he added.
The VC expressed optimism about the new funding scheme’s impact on the university’s operations, noting that with improved financial stability, the university would be able to pay suppliers on time, conduct field trips, purchase essential teaching and learning materials, and enhance the overall quality of education.
Moreover, the university would be able to retain and fairly compensate its staff, ensuring that students receive the best possible education.
He emphasized that the new model is more transparent and equitable than its predecessor, stating, “The new funding model is crucial for sustainability and objectivity. It is objective. How many students do you have? What programs are they enrolled in? What is the cost of the program, and what is their socioeconomic status? These are now the criteria, and there is no need for lobbying.”
Prof. Barasa urged students to engage with the university’s administration to gain a full understanding of the new funding scheme, assuring them that the future of higher education at Taita Taveta University is secure and promising, with a focus on sustainability, fairness, and the holistic development of its students.
Meanwhile, the VC urged the students to remain focused and shun from drugs and substance abuse that would otherwise hinder them from attaining their goals.
He further cautioned the students against engaging in any activities that would lead them into trouble with the law, urging them to focus on their studies and make the most of their time at the university.
