The High Court has suspended the implementation of President William Ruto’s new higher education funding model.
This decision comes in response to a lawsuit filed by the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC), along with the Elimu Bora Working Group, Boaz Waruku, and the Students Caucus, filed a lawsuit challenging the new higher education funding model introduced by President William Ruto on May 3, 2023
The new funding model, well known as the Variable Scholarship and Loan Funding (VSLF) is a higher education funding model introduced in Kenya on May 3, 2023, by President William Ruto.
This model aims to provide financial assistance to students in universities and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions through a combination of scholarships, loans, and household contributions.
The VSLF model uses a Means Testing Instrument (MTI) to categorize students into different levels of financial need: vulnerable, extremely needy, needy, or less needy. Based on these categories, students receive varying amounts of financial support to ensure that those with the greatest need receive the most assistance.
However, the implementation of this model has faced legal challenges. Critics argue that it lacks transparency and fairness in determining financial need and that it was implemented without sufficient consultation or legislative backing.
However, the plaintiffs argue that the model is discriminatory and lacks transparency, potentially excluding many students from accessing higher education funds.
The High Court has temporarily suspended the implementation of this funding model until the case is heard and determined. The next hearing is set for December 16, 2024.
