Relieving Message to University Students Denied Loans Under the New Funding Model

Relieving Message to University Students Denied Loans Under the New Funding Model

Relieving Message to University Students Denied Loans Under the New Funding Model. Ezekiel Machogu, cabinet secretary for education, reassured pupils who had issues students applications for loans and scholarships under the new system of university funding. He expressed certainty that his government is working diligently to find a solution to the problem within the next few days.

Challenges Addressed in the National Assembly

In his speech to the National Assembly, Machogu noted that issues with invalidated National Identification Cards and the Integrated Personnel Registration System (IPRS) were the main causes of the difficulties that students were experiencing.

Access Issues for Some Students

Many students, especially those with recently obtained IDs and IPRS, discovered that they were unable to access the university finance portal. They were unable to get the money they required due to this sad circumstance.

Resolution of System Issues

Machogu disclosed that he is working with Kithure Kindiki, his counterpart at the Interior Ministry, to address the delays brought on by these technology glitches.

The newly acquired IDs and IPRS numbers would be smoothly incorporated into the university system, according to their plan. Students who had been locked out earlier will soon need to reapply for financing opportunities. Within a week, the entire procedure should be finished.

Students’ Situation Remains Precarious

The impacted students continue to be in a perilous situation in spite of Machogu’s actions. This is due to the application window’s fast-approaching September 7 closure date, which was set as its initial opening date on July 31. According to reports, the Ministry of Education has not yet succeeded in this endeavor.

Challenges with the application process

Machogu also emphasized that the present Integrated Personnel Registration System can only verify applicants’, parents’, and guarantors’ outdated National Identity Card numbers. Due to this restriction, the application process has experienced considerable delays and even system outages.

Online portal and cooperative efforts

Machogu also underlined the coordinated efforts made by a number of organizations, including the State Department for Technical, Vocational Education and Training, the Universities Fund, the Higher Education Loans Board, Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service, and others.

Together, they created a unified online gateway to streamline tertiary education students’ registration and application for scholarships, loans, and bursaries.

MPs Raise Concerns

Members of Parliament (MPs) have voiced concerns despite Machogu’s efforts, nevertheless. They pointed out that these measures were put into place very towards the end of the period, just as several universities started their academic terms. It makes sense that this has led to concerns about students being required to report for class without having made adequate financial preparations.

The New Funding Model’s Introduction

On a larger scale, President William Ruto unveiled the New Higher Education Funding Model on May 3 at State House in Nairobi. This ground-breaking model seeks to offer a funding strategy that is needs-based and student-centered. Based on the pupils’ household income, it divides them into four different groups.

Comprehensive scholarships will be provided to vulnerable students, partial scholarships will be given to those in need, and long-term loans will be available to students with less severe financial demands.