Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki has assured the nation that the government will fully implement the long-awaited reduction in university fees as recommended by a presidential task force.
The move, he said, is part of a broader push to make higher education more affordable, accessible and inclusive for all.
Speaking during the Njoro Constituency Economic Empowerment event held on Friday at Njoro Grounds in Nakuru County, Kindiki stated that the government had already adopted the report of the task force established by President William Ruto to review the university funding model.
“President Ruto has accepted the proposal to reduce students’ fees by between 15 and 40 per cent, depending on the program the student is undertaking,” said Kindiki.
The DP emphasise that education remains a cornerstone of the Kenya Kwanza administration’s development blueprint, and the reduction in university fees marks a key milestone in ensuring no child is left behind due to financial hardship.
“The government is determined to lighten the burden that has long weighed heavily on parents and guardians. This is not just a promise; it is now a policy, and it will be implemented,” he added.
The announcement follows sustained pressure from students, parents, and education stakeholders calling for reforms in the financing of public universities, many of which have faced budgetary constraints in recent years.
The government states that the new model will be implemented in phases, starting this academic year, with varying cuts based on programs and student needs.
Also speaking during a similar event held in Kabarnet town in Baringo Central Constituency , the Deputy President reiterated that the reform is part of a broader strategy to overhaul Kenya’s education system from primary to tertiary levels.
“President Ruto has worked meticulously to ensure that every recommendation from the taskforce is taken seriously. It’s not just about reducing fees it’s about ensuring our education remains relevant, competitive, and of high quality,” said the DP.
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He at the same time brushed aside skepticism about funding availability, maintaining that the government has ring fenced the education budget and will continue to prioritize capitation and infrastructure development across learning institutions.
“We will not reverse the gains made in achieving free and compulsory education at primary and secondary levels. Capitation will continue uninterrupted, and more funds are being allocated to ensure sustainability,” said Kindiki .
He also used the opportunity to highlight key infrastructure and development projects in Nakuru County, most of which had stalled due to budgetary constraints.
Among the major projects he mentioned is the long-delayed Nessuit-Njoro Road, which the DP confirmed has received full government funding and will now be completed.
“We now have the resources to finish this and other roads across the country,” he said.
The second in command further added that the government has rolled out plans to construct 24 new modern markets in key towns within the county, including Njoro, Mauche, Molo, Subukia, Gilgil, Naivasha, Nakuru City, and Rongai.
“These developments are a clear demonstration of the government’s commitment to uplift the lives of ordinary Kenyans,” the Deputy President told residents.
The event was attended by a strong delegation of national and local leaders among those present were Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika, National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah (Kikuyu), MPs Irene Njoki (Bahati), Kimani Kuria (Molo), David Gikaria (Nakuru Town East), Sabina Chege (Nominated), and Mark Nyamita (Uriri).
Also in attendance was Aisha Jumwa, who chairs the Kenya Roads Board and played a key role in pushing for the revival of stalled road projects.
Governor Kihika praised the Deputy President for his hands-on approach and described the university fee reforms as “a turning point for the youth of Kenya.”
“Our young people can now pursue their dreams without fear of being locked out of class due to lack of fees,” she said.
By John Majau.
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