Kenya Slashes University Fees by 15-40% in Major Higher Education Reform. Following extensive consultations with public universities, students, higher education stakeholders and members of the public, the Government is pleased to announce the rationalization of public university fees. The rationalization has led to the reduction of public university fees by between 15% and 40%.
This reform in financing of university education underscores the Government’s commitment to ensuring that university education in Kenya is not only affordable and accessible but also of high quality and financially sustainable.
The reduction in fees across all academic programmes is the result of the successful and rigorous efforts of the National Committee on Review of the University Education Funding Model. The Committee, which comprised university student leaders, university staff, vice-chancellors, unions and a cross-section of professionals, had the review of the cost of academic programmes as one of its key tasks. The involvement of the youth in the Committee has been instrumental in the co-creation of solutions to higher education funding.
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The insights and data generated on staff-student ratios as well as economies of scale accruing from a growing number of students informed the recalibration of the student-payable fees. The revised charges are not only affordable for students but are also aligned to the actual cost of delivering academic programmes. The remaining costs will be bridged by Government scholarships and loans.
Consequently, all public universities and constituent colleges are hereby directed to update their admissions and finance portals to reflect the revised fees.
Students and guardians are encouraged to visit the Higher Education Financing (HEF) portal (www.hef.co.ke) and to consult their respective university admissions and finance offices. Universities are required to provide students with clear and timely guidance in the application process.
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The Government remains resolute in its vision to make higher education a pillar of national transformation under the Kenya Vision 2030 and the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda. We will leverage the cooperation of all universities for the effective implementation of these reforms and in safeguarding the future of our youth and our great Nation.
Hon. Julius Migos Ogamba EBS,
CABINET SECRETARY
