President William Ruto has unveiled a new plan to fully fund all students admitted to public universities and colleges, as part of sweeping reforms to Kenya’s higher education financing system. Speaking at State House during the presentation of the report “Developing a New Vision for Kenya: Towards a First World Nation,” the President said the government is moving to a universal funding model. The proposed changes are currently before Parliament. Ruto explained that the new approach is designed to ensure that no qualified student is denied higher education due to financial constraints.
The President acknowledged that previous funding models had failed to meet expectations. These included the differentiated funding system and a later model that required parents to contribute based on their financial ability. According to Ruto, these approaches created challenges for both students and institutions, with some universities struggling to remain operational.
Under the proposed reforms, every student who qualifies and is placed in a public university or college will have their education fully financed by the government. The President emphasized that academic merit, not a student’s financial background, will determine access to funding.
While the government will cover education costs, parents who are willing and able to contribute will still have the option to do so. However, those unable to afford fees will receive full support. Ruto said the move is part of a deliberate effort to make higher education more accessible and equitable for all Kenyans.
The announcement marks a major policy shift in Kenya’s education sector, coming after criticism and legal challenges surrounding previous funding models. If approved by Parliament, the reforms could significantly expand access to higher education and ease the financial burden on families.
