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{
    "id": 1278743,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1278743/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 144,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Mbeere North, DP",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. Ruku GK",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": " Hon. Speaker, I beg to give notice of an Adjournment Motion on a definite matter of urgent national importance regarding the new financing model for Higher Education and Technical Institutions. Hon. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 33(1), I seek leave for the adjournment of the House for purposes of discussing a matter of urgent national importance regarding the new financing model for students joining universities, colleges, and technical institutions in Kenya. Under the new financing model, the level of funding to be extended to each student will be based on several factors to be determined by the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) and the Universities Fund (UF). Among the factors to be considered are parents’ background, gender, programme type and cost, marginalisation, disability, family size and composition, Government priority areas, and affirmative action. The object and spirit of the new tertiary education financing model is to promote inclusivity and equal opportunities to accessing higher education by addressing financial barriers that hinder many students from pursuing higher education and technical training. Hon. Speaker, there are serious concerns that the new financing model may put unrealistic burdens on parents and guardians amidst turbulent economic times thereby disadvantaging some students who qualify to pursue higher learning. In addition, an analysis of various programmes in different universities indicates that some public universities are charging higher tuition fees than some private intuitions thereby jeopardising accessibility and affordability of higher education. It is also notable that the previous Government subsidy for higher learning has been removed and, therefore, students who miss out on Government scholarships and loans will have to pay the entire amount. Further, students will be required to apply for tuition funding every year with no guarantee of securing the funds on each application, among other tougher terms. While the new model could unlock a lot of potential in transforming funding for higher learning in our country, abundant caution must be exercised so that it does not jeopardise access to higher learning in this country. This is a matter of great concern given that students who sat for the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) in 2022 are due to join universities and colleges in September 2023, yet it is not clear whether the model will facilitate accessibility and affordability to higher learning or may end up commercialising the sector. Hon. Speaker, it is against this background that I seek leave for adjournment of the House to discuss this matter of great national concern. Thank you, Hon. Speaker."
}