President William Ruto has unveiled a significant reduction in university fees under Kenya’s new student-centred funding model, lowering costs for learners to between Ksh5,800 and Ksh75,000 depending on their programme of study and financial need.
Speaking at UMMA University on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, Ruto said the model has reshaped higher education financing by ensuring scholarships and loans are allocated fairly. “University fees have been reduced significantly. Students now pay between Ksh5,800 and Ksh75,000 depending on their ability and programme of study,” he stated.
The framework classifies students into four categories—vulnerable, extremely needy, needy, and less needy—with government support tailored to each group. Vulnerable students receive full scholarships, while others benefit from a combination of scholarships and low-interest loans.
Audit Report Flags Challenges
The announcement comes just months after the Auditor-General raised critical concerns about the model, which was also recently declared unconstitutional by the High Court.
In its report for the 2023/2024 financial year, the Office of the Auditor-General identified eight major implementation flaws, including:
- Inaccurate data submissions that distorted Means Testing Instrument (MTI) scores.
- Limited public awareness, leaving many students confused about how to apply.
- Delays in disbursement of funds, disrupting tuition payments, accommodation, and living expenses.
- Inclusivity gaps, with vulnerable groups—such as students with disabilities, those from marginalised regions, and Muslim learners requiring Sharia-compliant financial products—facing barriers to access.
- High unemployment and underemployment, which has made loan repayment difficult, raising default rates and threatening the sustainability of the revolving fund.
Balancing Reform with Reality
While Ruto hailed the new approach as a “game-changer for higher education” that ensures fairness and equal opportunity, the Auditor-General’s findings point to significant hurdles in execution.
The dual narrative—government optimism versus audit red flags—highlights the challenges of reforming Kenya’s higher education financing system. For students, the fee reduction offers immediate relief, but questions remain about inclusivity, sustainability, and long-term viability.
