Inside proposals to raise university fees in struggling universities

Universities are set to increase fees from KES 16,000 to KES 48,000 for new government-sponsored students joining in September, according to a proposal to deal with the financial crisis the institutions are facing. However, continuing students will pay the old fees until they complete their university education.

The government will also no longer automatically sponsor students who scored C+ and above, and all students will have to apply for government funding, which will consider merit, need, national priorities, and affirmative action.

Moreover, students who score an A in the KCSE but do not meet any of the selection criteria will miss out on state funding and will have to finance their university education. These proposals were adopted at the First Biennial Universities Funding conference in Mombasa, where Vice-Chancellors of public and private universities, principals of constituent colleges, and government agencies involved in funding higher learning institutions were present.

The conference proposed various other ways universities could raise funds to plug their deficits, such as increasing fees to KES 96,000, enhancing retention by improving the campus experience, and leasing campus spaces/grounds/farms to raise rental income.

It was also proposed that universities could invest in branded merchandise, such as T-shirts and cups, for sale to students, staff, and the public, and enhance their new media presence to generate income and boost the visibility of university programs. Other proposed ways included creating short professional courses to generate extra income, creating an endowment fund in universities to generate additional revenue, and fully funding new development projects to avoid suspensions of budget allocations.

To stabilize universities, the conference also proposed that debts owed to various statutory bodies, totaling KES 61 billion, be written off. The national government was also urged to take decisive and necessary decisions, such as clearing the pending Pension Bill of KES 19.6 billion in targeted installments and writing off the pending PAYE bill of KES 18 billion owed to the Kenya Revenue Authority by public universities.

The conference also proposed that the government remit money to pay the 2017-2021 Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBA) in full, including arrears amounting to KES 2.9 billion, and that there should be no more CBAs until pending issues are resolved.

However, the recommendation that students must apply afresh for state funding to determine their suitability for state support may shock parents and students.

Presently, all students who get placed by the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) and get admitted to universities receive automatic state funding regardless of the need.

Instead, only deserving cases will now get state funding to pursue degree, certificate, and diploma courses in higher institutions of learning if the conference’s resolutions are adopted. This means that all the 173,345 students who scored C+ and above will have to make fresh applications to be considered for state funding, and those who do not succeed will have to pay their university bills.

 

 

 

AM Live

AM Live is NTV's morning current affairs show that sets the agenda for the day with insightful panels every weekday.

BNX

Business Redefined

Business Redefined is Kenya’s premier thought leadership platform for unpacking matters regarding economic and finance policy as well demystifying complex developments in the region’s capital markets.

Comedies

A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula

Documentaries

A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula

Entertainment

A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula

Full Episodes

A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula

Gumzo La Sato

Gumzo La Sato is a live social issues show that aims to create awareness about issues affecting the larger society. The discussions range from Parenting, Marital bliss and struggles, Oppression, violence, and all matters of the Heart.

Health Diary

Health Diary is a weekly show that highlights different types of diseases/conditions and seeks ways to prevent, treat/manage them. The show debunks this through real life stories and also feature specialists in different fields, to offer medical advice on the same.

Letter To My Younger Self

Letter To My Younger Self is a podcast where guests get to write a letter to their younger self, from which Maxine formulates questions to ask them during the hour-long show.

Mazao Talks

Mazao looks at agriculture and agribusiness

Nation Reports

Nation Reports is a weekly podcast offers an opportunity for listeners to interact with various reporters and journey with them as they unravel the biggest most emotive stories.

One Health Lens Podcast

Discussing health matters and human stories from Kenya and across Africa. We talk big picture from people to policy, ecosystems, and everything in between. Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onehealthlens

Paradise Lost

Paradise Lost peeks through the story of Louis Otieno, the times, and everything in between.

Podcasts

Podcasts

Primetime

A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula

Speaking of GEN Z

Speaking of Gen Z brings you entertaining but meaningful conversations about a generation that is trying to navigate through adulthood. Join hosts Michelle, Jackie and Esther as they unravel all things Gen Z.

Sport On

Sport-On is a 30-minute sports magazine show on NTV and 3 hours on NATION FM. The show seeks to give the sports “fanatics” and “funatics” comprehensive and in-depth coverage of sports both locally and internationally.

Tech-over

The extent of technological growth is beyond mere acknowledgment; it has seamlessly integrated into our daily existence. A few years ago, the notion of paying electricity bills through mobile money or recharging with 'tokens' in Kenya seemed inconceivable. Online product sales were considered distant, and artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping various facets of our lives. Amidst these technological leaps, those with a solid understanding of tech can navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and build a sustainable livelihood. Tech over Show aims to be the platform facilitating discussions among thought leaders, innovators, tech companies, and the government, addressing challenges and opportunities in Kenya's thriving tech industry.

Thamani

Thamani is a business show which is dedicated to emerging issues regarding micro, small and medium size businesses.

The Politalk podcast

This is The Politalk podcast. Here we look into the ins and outs of everything Kenyan politics. We pull no punches and have no reason to sugarcoat anything that matters to Kenyans.

The Trend

A two-hour-long live show that airs on Fridays. The show focuses on what is current in the entertainment industry, controversial and popular across all media platforms targeting those aged between 25 and 35 years.

The trend podcast

The trend podcast highlights and captures the best of banter from #TTTT segment that airs every Friday on NTV. It's the TTTT EXTRA

The Wicked Edition

The Wicked Edition with Dr. King’ori seeks to address serious issues through humour and relatable wit. It is a two-part half hour show filmed in front of a live audience

Trending

A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula

Twende

Twende is a travel show that highlights beautiful, unique, diverse locations, people, and cultures. The show offers fresh perspectives on familiar locations and memorable experiences in new ones.

Unscripted

This Saturday evening lifestyle show lets viewers share their stories and life experiences as openly & honestly for the purpose of shifting the culture of silence.

VIP Access

VIP ACCESS is Anyiko Owoko’s YouTube and podcast show on Music and Culture dedicated to promoting Africa’s most promising talent and creatives. This podcast grants you VIP access into timeless interviews while providing a platform for rising as well as established artists across the continent. Since launching in 2018, Anyiko has interviewed over 70 African music stars.

WADR

This weekly news show aims to have all sides of debate but not be constrained by it, listen to main voices in the contest but not allow them to hold the viewers hostage, entertain debate but allow push back with all due respect.

When death do us part

In this podcast, three widowers openly speak about the process of grief, how they found themselves exposed to the emotional turmoil of losing their wives, and how society still does not know how to deal with them.

Your World

Your World is a health, wellness and variety show. It provides a platform for audiences and experts to share their experiences on how to improve or manage health issues, across Kenya and the Africa region.