Editor's Review

12,958 students have lodged appeals for university funding bands re-categorization.

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has announced that the results of the university funding bands review will be out in three weeks.

In a statement sent to the newsrooms on Friday, August 23, CS Ogamba said 12,958 students have lodged appeals for re-categorization.

He disclosed that the higher education financing (HEF) portal will remain open until December 31, 2024. 

“Of the categorized applicants, 12,958 have lodged appeals for re-categorization. The processing of the appeals has now started and will be concluded within three weeks from the date of each appeal. The portal will remain open until 31st December 2024, to allow for late appeals,” read the statement in part.

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The Education CS noted that the re-categorization process will rely on the accuracy of the information provided regarding an applicant’s socio-economic background; affirmative action considerations; socio-demographic factors; and, family education expenses.

“To ensure that all applicants are categorized fairly and that no one is deprived of deserved funding, we are working with officers from the National Government Administration Office, in a multi-agency approach,” Ogamba remarked.

File image of Education CS Julius Ogamba. 

He pointed out that the officers will assist in verifying the information provided by applicants from their respective jurisdictions, across all the 106,600 villages in the country.

CS Ogamba appealed to applicants to act with integrity and diligence in providing accurate and comprehensive information concerning their circumstances.

“This approach underscores the Government’s commitment to ensure that no student is left behind. The multi-agency approach is part of the broader effort to enhance transparency, efficiency, and accountability in the funding process, and to ensure that funding decisions are based on accurate and verified information,” Ogamba added.

At the same time, the Education CS said Ksh5.2 Billion has been released to the Higher Education Loans Board for tuition and upkeep loans and Ksh2.8 Billion has been released to the Universities Fund for scholarships.

“The funds are now being disbursed to the respective university and student accounts, upon ascertainment of students’ reporting and admission. The disbursement process will be completed by 30th August 2024,” CS Ogamba stated.