Parliament Addresses Student ID Issues for University Enrollment

The recent parliamentary session highlighted critical issues surrounding university admissions in Kenya. A significant concern was the lack of national identity cards for a section of students, which could hinder their ability to apply for university funding. The National Assembly Education Committee, during a meeting on Tuesday, expressed worries that the absence of IDs might create barriers for students seeking financial assistance.

In response, the Committee summoned several key government officials, including the Principal Secretary for Higher Education, a representative from eCitizen, the CEO of the Higher Education Loans Board, and the CEO of the University Funding Model. These officials are expected to address the current status of student admissions and the challenges associated with funding applications.

Moreover, the Committee plans to meet with the Commission for University Education to discuss the accreditation of university programs. This initiative aims to streamline the process and ensure that students receive quality education.

Another crucial point of discussion was the proposed Universities (Amendment) Bill, 2023. The bill seeks to prohibit the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) from placing students in private universities and to stop public funding for these institutions. The objective is to prevent the misuse of public funds by private entities that are not subject to the Public Finance Management Act, 2015. Additionally, the bill proposes to repeal the law allowing universities to receive conditional grants from the government, reinforcing the commitment to transparency and accountability in public spending.