Public universities in limbo as first-year students await new funding system

Public universities are grappling with uncertainty over fees and student financing as they register first-year students without clear government guidance on the new funding system. The University of Eldoret, for example, has registered about 8,000 first-year students, despite having space for only 2,000, which is straining accommodation and other facilities.

University Vice-Chancellor Thomas Cheruiyot informed the media that the government is still working on the arrangements for current funding, urging students to register and attend classes while awaiting further directives. He explained that students would need to cover some accommodation costs as the university collaborates with landlords to secure affordable rental spaces.

Cheruiyot noted that the university is in discussion with landlords to ensure students are not exploited and can access rented accommodations securely.

The university is actively engaging with landlords to prevent student exploitation and address security concerns for off-campus residents. Additionally, the government is developing affordable housing units within the university to alleviate the accommodation crisis, though the current capacity remains far below the demand. Cheruiyot mentioned that the government is also constructing affordable housing, with a contractor in place, but additional spaces are still required.

This uncertainty stems from the government's ongoing work on modalities for the new student funding system, leaving universities to manage admissions and registration while waiting for official guidance on fees and financing. Cheruiyot clarified that existing funding arrangements will continue for other students as the government finalizes the new framework.

Universities are thus caught between the need to admit students and the challenge of providing adequate learning and accommodation facilities amidst changes in higher education financing.