Kenya Slashes Public University Fees: A Game-Changer for Students and Families
By Street Staff Writer | August 2, 2025
In a landmark move, the Kenyan government has announced a significant reduction in tuition fees across all public university programs, effective September 1, 2025. The decision, driven by the Student-Centred Funding Model, aims to ease the financial burden on students and their families, making higher education more accessible amid rising economic pressures.
The directive, issued by Principal Secretary for Higher Education Dr. Beatrice Muganda Inyangala, follows extensive consultations with students, parents, and education stakeholders. “In direct response to concerns raised by students and their families, the Government has lowered fees payable by students across all academic programmes,” Dr. Inyangala stated in a circular to vice-chancellors and principals of constituent colleges. The policy applies to both new and continuing students, marking a significant shift after years of public outcry over prohibitive university costs.
Under the revised fee structure, costs have been slashed dramatically. For example, Medicine (Clinical) programs will now range from KSh 22,371 to KSh 75,000 per semester, down from previous highs of up to KSh 400,000. Humanities and Social Sciences courses, such as History and Political Science, will cost between KSh 5,814 and KSh 23,256, compared to earlier fees that could reach KSh 144,000. Engineering, Architecture, and Health Sciences programs also see reductions, with fees ranging from KSh 12,060 to KSh 75,000 per semester, depending on the course. Universities have been instructed to update their admissions and finance portals to reflect these changes ahead of the September intake.
The fee cuts come as a response to sustained criticism of the Higher Education Funding Model introduced in 2023, which categorized students into income bands but was deemed complex and inequitable. Posts on X reflect public relief, with users like @Belive_Kinuthia calling it “results-oriented leadership” and @PHIAMAX hailing it as “juicy news” for students nationwide. However, some university staff warn of potential financial strain, citing an Sh85 billion funding gap that could hamper operations if capitation isn’t disbursed timely.
The government has emphasized that the full cost of programs will be met through a combination of tuition fees, scholarships, and student loans tailored to individual financial needs. “This bold step reaffirms our commitment to ensuring affordable, accessible, and quality university education while maintaining the financial sustainability of our institutions,” Dr. Inyangala noted. The model prioritizes vulnerable students, offering up to 70% scholarships and 25% loans, with families covering as little as 5% of costs in some cases.
While the announcement has sparked optimism, questions linger about how universities will maintain quality with reduced revenue. The timing, just weeks before the new academic year, underscores the urgency of addressing public concerns, but the success of these reforms hinges on efficient implementation and alternative funding sources.
For thousands of Kenyan families, this is a lifeline. “This is the kind of news we’ve been praying for,” said Jane Wambui, a parent from Nairobi, whose daughter is set to join Kenyatta University. “Education was becoming a privilege, not a right. Now there’s hope.” As the September intake nears, the education sector and the public will be watching closely to see how these changes reshape access to higher learning.
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