The Ministry of Education came clear on Sunday and assured Kenyans that higher education remained affordable despite the uproar over increased university fees.

Higher Education Principal Secretary Beatrice Muganda Inyangala revealed that University students would receive a minimum of Sh. 40,000 annually for upkeep in the new university model.

The PS said the amount of upkeep would vary depending on the level of need of individual students.

Students from families considered financially able will receive Sh. 40,000 to cover their living expenses while attending university.

The Ministry of Education caters for 60 % of education expenses. The Government of Kenya will offer financial aid to students based on the family’s financial background, which it has categorized into four different categories.

Those students who come from the most disadvantaged families will get the highest level of support. For such, the government will pay 95% of tuition fees and be given a heavy upkeep allowance of Sh. 60,000 ($520).

This category will have 90% of tuition covered, and a maintenance allowance of Sh. 55,000 ($480)

The government Sh. all cater for 80%-90% of tuition fees, while their upkeep allowance shall range from Sh. 45,000 ($390) to Sh. 50,000 ($430) per year.

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Those students whose families the assessment report considers able will get the lowest level of support. The government Sh. all provide 60% of their school fees and also give them an upkeep allowance of Sh. 40,000 ($350).

The  Permanent Secretary (PS) offered a glimpse into the government’s strategy for calculating household contributions towards university fees.

“A number of variables include poverty probability index of the student’s location; safety net data; parental income; nature of sponsorship at primary and secondary level if any; if an orphaned or single parent,” Principal Secretary Beatrice Muganda Inyangala explained.

It is what President William Ruto had earlier explained,  the reason for asking parents to contribute part of the school fees was to ensure the sustainability of the education system.