Government lowers fees in public universities

BENSON KELIO AND CHRISTOPHER KIPROP, KNA 

The Ministry of Education has reduced the fees payable by students across all academic programmes in public universities. Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba made the announcement during the 29th graduation ceremony of Moi Teachers Training College in Baringo.

He said the decision followed extensive consultations involving the ministry, the public, students, and stakeholders in higher education.

Ogamba directed public universities to implement the Student-Centered Funding Model for both first-year and continuing students beginning September 1.

He urged institutions to update their admissions and finance portals, emphasizing the government’s commitment to supporting all deserving learners.

Under the new funding model, the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) and the Universities Fund are expected to support 201,696 first-year university students, over 237,000 Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) students, and 257,523 continuing students this academic year.

Ogamba also announced that the disbursement of HELB loans will begin on August 15, following an increase in government funding from Sh36 billion to Sh41 billion. He said this will ensure students can begin their academic journey without financial disruption.

He encouraged the 2024 KCSE cohort to apply for the first quarter of scholarship funds for the 2025/2026 financial year. The application portal will remain open until August 31. 

"The government is committed to ensuring that no student is left behind due to lack of as deductions are typically made for textbooks and related materials" Ogamba affirmed. He also addressed concerns about capitation for basic education, saying it is a constitutional right for all learners and that the government will allocate sufficient resources to support the programme. 

Joseph Makilap, a member of the National Assembly’s Education Committee, also reassured the public that there are enough resources to ensure the success of the education sector.

He noted that the contentious Sh22,000 per student capitation figure is often overstated, as deductions are typically made for textbooks and related materials.

However, Makilap assured that whenever there is a shortage, parliamentarians are always ready to put more resources in the next supplementary budget for all learners same as for the first-year students who will join in September.

The institution graduated 272 students who had pursued diploma courses in primary education and early childhood development education.