Public universities across Kenya are facing uncertainty following the government’s abrupt decision to slash course fee by up to 40 percent.
The move have rattled the Vice Chancellors (VCs) who have raised alarm citing lack of consultation and warning that the reduction could cripple institutions already weighed down by massive debts.
The Ministry of Education, through Principal Secretary for Higher Education Beatrice Inyangala, announced last week that fees would be reduced by between 15 and 40 percent for both continuing and incoming students.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba further directed universities to update their student portals with the revised structures. However, VCs argue that the directive was issued without their input, leaving them blindsided and scrambling for clarity.
Prof. Mugendi Njiru of the University of Embu acknowledged attending review meetings, but other VCs contradicted his account, insisting they were excluded from the process.
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“Also ask Inyangala whether Vice Chancellors were consulted before implementing the new tuition fees,” one VC challenged, adding that their views were not reflected in the final decision.
The fee cut comes at a time when public universities are grappling with a staggering Ksh 85 billion debt. This includes Ksh 13 billion in unpaid student loans and Ksh 9 billion in scholarships under the new funding model, which was introduced two years ago. The arrears have accumulated since the first cohort enrolled under the model, and the government has yet to remit Ksh 22 billion owed to institutions.
With the first cohort now entering third year and the second cohort in their second year, universities are preparing to admit a new batch of students later this month. Yet, the Ministry has not clarified how the fee reductions will be implemented or what funding mechanisms will be used to bridge the revenue gap.
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In a circular dated July 30, 2025, PS Inyangala instructed universities to revise their portals but failed to specify the actual cost of programmes for parents opting out of government loans or scholarships.
The circular vaguely stated that programme costs would be covered through a mix of tuition fees, scholarships, and loans based on individual student needs. VCs have criticized the directive as impractical.
Parents are growing anxious amid fears that universities may revert to older fee structures due to the confusion, potentially burdening them with unexpected expenses. Meanwhile, VCs are demanding to know what support mechanisms such as grants or compensation, the government plans to offer institutions facing revenue shortfalls.
With just weeks before universities reopen, the silence from the Ministry has left institutions in a state of limbo, prompting urgent calls for clarity from VCs and parents alike
By Masaki Enock
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