The government has revealed that it is considering restructuring university fee structures after the High Court quashed the New University Funding Model.
Appearing before the Senate Standing Committee on Education on Thursday, March 20, Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) CEO Geoffrey Monari detailed that restructuring the fee structures was among the four options being considered.
He added that the government was also considering adopting a hybrid funding model through scholarships, HELB loan allocations and partnering with the private sector.
He added that the government was also considering increasing bursaries and HELB funding to cushion students.
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"The government is also considering expanding Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) financing, improving bursary allocations, and adjusting university fee structures to balance affordability with institutional sustainability" he stated.
On the other hand, Higher Education PS Beatrice Muganda added that the government was also engaging with various stakeholders to sort out the legal issues that have seen the funding model declared unconstitutional.
"The government is actively engaging stakeholders, including the judiciary, universities, and financial institutions, to resolve the legal challenges and restore certainty to higher education funding," she stated.
The New University Funding Model, introduced by President William Ruto, was challenged in court after stakeholders raised concerns over the allocation of scholarships and student loans.
On his part, Ruto has defended the new model stating that it caters for students who need more help in paying their school fees.
