Hustler Fund, Farm Size to Decide Student in Govt New Funding Model
The Ministry of Education has rolled out a new university and college funding framework that will see students assessed using a broader range of socio-economic indicators — including their family’s Hustler Fund loan usage, farm size, and medical expenses.
This new approach replaces the former flat-rate subsidy with a tiered funding model under the Higher Education Fund (HEF). The updated strategy is aimed at ensuring that financially needy students receive more targeted support while wealthier households contribute more toward higher education costs.
What’s New: Means Testing Instrument
At the heart of this system is the Means Testing Instrument (MTI), a tool that gathers socio-economic data to determine a student’s financial need. According to Dr. Julius Ogamba, Director of University Education, this new system aims to provide accurate, equitable support to those who need it most.
“We are capturing all these parameters to place students as close as possible to their actual financial situation,” said Dr. Ogamba.
Key Indicators Under the New Funding Criteria
The MTI now assesses the following factors when determining how much support a student qualifies for:
- Household income and spending history
- School fees paid for the student by the household
- Size of family-owned agricultural land
- Medical bills incurred and paid by the household
- Access and repayment history of the Hustler Fund loan
- Number of dependents in the household
These data points are cross-verified through multiple government databases and require documentary evidence, ensuring the system remains transparent and accurate.
Financial Impact: Reduced Fees and Tiered Support
As part of the reform, the government has also implemented a 15–40% reduction in university tuition fees depending on the student’s financial background. Students with high financial need will receive full tuition coverage, while those with moderate or low need will receive partial support.
This shift is intended to align with President Ruto’s vision of making higher education affordable and sustainable, while safeguarding the quality of learning institutions.
Who Is Eligible?
All students placed by the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) are eligible to apply for financial aid through the HEF. According to the Ministry, the funding application portal is still open, and students are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out.
How to Apply for HEF Support
- Visit the Higher Education Financing (HEF) portal.
- Register or log in using your KCSE index number and personal details.
- Fill out the Means Testing Instrument (MTI) with required documents like:
- Proof of income
- Hustler Fund statements
- Medical bills
- Title deeds or land size documentation (if applicable)
- Submit your application for review.
Only students who provide complete and verifiable information will be considered for funding.
Goal of the New Policy
This revamped approach aims to:
- Ensure fair distribution of public resources
- Support students from low-income families
- Encourage financial accountability
- Reduce dropouts due to unaffordable fees
The Ministry emphasized that no deserving student should miss out on education due to financial challenges.
The new university funding model is a bold shift toward data-driven, needs-based financing in Kenya’s higher education sector. By including previously overlooked indicators such as Hustler Fund use, farm ownership, and medical burdens, the government aims to create equity and sustainability in university funding.
Students are urged to apply promptly and ensure they meet the documentation requirements to benefit from the program.
