Tinderet Member of Parliament and Chair of the National Assembly Education Committee, Julius Melly, has endorsed the government's plan to revamp university financing. The proposed model aims to tackle persistent challenges that have limited equitable access to higher education.
In a recent interview on July 28, 2026, Melly explained that the government is working on a streamlined funding framework designed to close loopholes and reduce administrative delays that have plagued the current system.
Reviewing Means Testing
Melly highlighted that the existing Student-Centred Funding Model, which replaced blanket subsidies, categorises students based on household income through means testing. However, this approach has faced criticism due to instances where families misrepresented their financial status to obtain greater support.
"The biggest flaw in the funding formula was the means testing. It failed because some families misrepresented their financial status to receive more funding," Melly stated.
He revealed that the government plans to fund every university entrant upfront and recover costs later through student loans, thereby removing the controversial funding bands.
Funding Challenges Beyond the Formula
Melly noted that the core issue for universities has been insufficient budget allocations rather than the funding formula itself. He recalled the Differentiated Unit Cost model introduced in 2014, which allocated resources based on factors such as student numbers and institutional capacity but ultimately left universities with significant debts due to reduced government funding.
Ongoing Debate on University Financing
Melly's comments follow President William Ruto's defense of the Student-Centred Funding Model during the 2025 State of the Nation Address, where he noted that nearly 500,000 students have benefited since its launch. The President emphasized that the reforms aim to prioritise learners through a mix of scholarships and loans based on need and merit.
Despite this, the model has faced criticism over inaccurate household assessments, delayed fund disbursements, and increased reliance on loans, which some fear may burden graduates financially.
The government maintains that reforms are essential to create a fairer and more sustainable university financing system. Melly affirmed that the new approach seeks to simplify funding and eliminate the administrative hurdles common in the current setup.
