The university placement process is over, and you now know your course and institution of placement.Some parents have called me in fear after seeing the figures and some are just about to give up. As a student, you’ve probably seen a glimpse of your university’s fee schedule as you prepare to enter the world of higher education this September. And, let’s be honest, you might have been surprised by the figures. But don’t be alarmed. There is a funding model that appears to promise more than the numbers suggest. So, before you give up, let’s investigate the fascinating nuances of Kenya’s new university funding system.
The process must be de-mystified in order to uncover the new funding model’s hidden opportunities. As a prospective student, you understand that attending college is about more than just paying tuition. It entails being aware of the financial assistance available to you and being prepared to fight for your rightful position in the system. In this world understand that you get what you fight for and not what you deserve. No wonder the good book says the violent get it by force. You cannot sit and lament and do nothing. You must do what you must do to get the funding.
You might be surprised to learn that every student admitted to a public university in Kenya, irrespective of their background, will receive significant funding from the government. Yes, you read that right: all students, regardless of their socioeconomic status, will receive funding totaling at least 93%. This makes sure that no one’s desire for education is hampered by financial limitations.
The catch is that the new funding model is a sophisticated strategy aimed at tailoring financial assistance to specific needs rather than simply throwing money at students. In contrast to the previous one-size-fits-all strategy, this model prioritizes equity over equality. In essence, it takes into account your specific circumstances and makes an effort to assist those in greatest need.
The system divides students into four distinct groups in order to more effectively distribute funds:
• Vulnerable
• Very Needy
• Needy
• Less Needy
Each category receives a different level of financial assistance, ensuring that aid is distributed in accordance with the degree of need.
The benefits are impressive for those classified as “vulnerable.” Your on-campus education is now completely tuition-free thanks to government funding. That’s right, all financial support to help you achieve your educational goals will be sorted – no parental contributions, no fundraising efforts.Your funding composition appears to be as follows:
• Scholarship: 82%
• HELB Loan: 18%
• Parent Contribution: 0%
Your college costs are also covered if you fall under the “Very Needy” category. Your parents can breathe a sigh of relief now that their financial burden has been significantly reduced.However, the funding model changes a little:
• Scholarship: 70%
• HELB Loan: 30%
• Parent Contribution: 0%
Financial obligations become more manageable for those classified as “Needy.” You will pay only 7% of your total fees.
• Scholarship: 53%
• HELB Loan: 40%
• Parent Contribution: 7%
The financial requirements are quite reasonable even if you are considered to be “Less Needy”. Although it is clear that you must now contribute more to paying for your education, this is still a far cry from the initially alarming numbers.
• Scholarship: 38%
• HELB Loan: 55%
• Parent Contribution: 7%
Now, you need to prove your case and that is where you must be strategic. Although the government might not directly be aware of your personal situation, you can still convince them that you need assistance by supplying them with the necessary paperwork. It’s an opportunity for you to demonstrate your eligibility and obtain the financial aid you deserve.
Before you apply, you must have the following information ready: A valid email address, your own valid phone number, your KCPE and KCSE index numbers, a passport-size photo, a copy of your ID, a college/university admission letter, a birth certificate, a parent or guardian telephone number, a death certificate if any parent is deceased, two guarantors’ ID and phone numbers, and a copy of your sponsorship letter if you were sponsored in secondary school.
You now need to do a formal application through https://hef.co.ke/ and attach all the necessary documents to get the funding, if you don’t, then your parents will pay the entire amount. In step two use you head and be very strategic and prove your case.
Get to work on the formal application NOW. We hope the government will send the funds to the universities as soon as possible. In strategy, the INTHING is IMPLIMENTATION.
