Public Universities will have to adopt a new funding model to overcome financial constraints.
Addressing the staff of Technical University of Mombasa (TUM) at the Assembly Hall, the Vice Chancellor Prof. Laila Abubakar revealed that Public Universities were struggling as a result of low government sponsored student fees.
Prof Laila stated that since 1990, government-sponsored students paid Kshs 16000 per year for a course.
During her presentation, she disclosed that the new funding model has categorized students into four clusters namely Vulnerable, Extremely Needy, Very Needy and Less Needy.
She explained that vulnerable category comprised the bright students who are orphans and those from very poor families.
According to her, they are eligible to secure 80 percent of government scholarships/grants, 20 percent from Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) and zero percent payment from parents/guardians.
The vice chancellor added that the Extremely Needy category comprised of bright students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds.
She emphasized that the students are eligible for 70 percent scholarships or grants, 30 percent loans from HELB and zero percent from the parents and guardians.
At the same time, she said the Very Needy category of students from middle-class families will secure 50 percent government grants or scholarships, 30 percent HELB loans and 20 percent from parents and guardians respectively.
Finally, the Less Needy students from financially stable families will get 32 percent scholarships or government grants, 48 percent HELB loans and 20 percent from parents or guardians.
On the funding model, Prof Laila disclosed that the government scholarships or grants are funds that will not be paid by the students after competition of their studies but the HELB loans shall be recovered once the students secure employment.
Further, she restated that the government has developed testing instruments to place students in the right category.
While addressing Lecturers at the meeting, the Vice chancellor warned them from absenteeism and concentrate on better service delivery.
Prof Laila said,” All staff should be student centered since they had options to select alternative institutions of higher learning.”
To maintain good standing, the VC urged staff of the institution to treat the students well so that they become the institution ambassadors.
Sounding her warning to corrupt staff, the VC said those engaging in such practices will be dealt with according to the law.
“It will not be business as usual for anyone that is found corrupt.’’ Prof. Laila cautioned.
Present at the meeting were Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic, Research and Extension Prof. Peter Gichangi, Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic Finance and Planning Prof. Joseph Rasowo, Registrar Academic Affairs, Dr. Cromwel Kibiti, and Acting Registrar Administration and Planning, Ms. Phidilia Mjomba.
