Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba has appointed a new team to the Universities Fund Board of Trustees in changes expected to influence university funding and implementation of Kenya’s higher education financing model.
The appointments were announced through a Kenya Gazette Notice dated May 22, 2026, issued under the Universities Act.
According to the notice, Prof. Karuti Kanyinga has been appointed as the Chairperson of the Universities Fund Board of Trustees for a three-year term.
Reagan Kaberia was also appointed to the board alongside Conrad Keya, Fakira Kassim Sheikh, Esther Sagini, Isaiah Kirukmet and Jackline Akinyi Jacoyange as members.
The appointments took effect from May 22, 2026.
What is the Universities Fund Board?
The Universities Fund is a state agency established under the Universities Act to oversee funding of public universities and support financing for higher education institutions in Kenya.
The board plays a critical role in advising on allocation of university funds, managing government grants and supporting implementation of higher education financing policies.
The institution became more prominent following the rollout of the new university funding model introduced by President William Ruto’s administration, where university students are categorised according to levels of financial need.
Under the model, funding is distributed through scholarships, loans and household contributions based on students’ economic backgrounds.
The Universities Fund works closely with the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB), the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS), public universities and the Ministry of Education.
The new appointments come at a time when the government is under pressure over university financing, delayed disbursement of funds and concerns about sustainability of the new funding model.
Universities across the country have repeatedly raised concerns over budget deficits, delayed capitation and growing operational costs affecting learning and research.
The board is also expected to oversee equitable allocation of resources to universities amid increasing enrolment in higher learning institutions.
Education stakeholders are likely to closely monitor the new team’s role in stabilising university financing and improving transparency in allocation of public funds.
Key appointees
Prof. Karuti Kanyinga was appointed Chairperson of the Universities Fund Board of Trustees.
Other members appointed to the board are Reagan Kaberia, Conrad Keya, Fakira Kassim Sheikh, Esther Sagini, Isaiah Kirukmet and Jackline Akinyi Jacoyange.
READ ALSO: Debate emerges over regional balance in replacement of outgoing TSC commissioners
The appointments were made under Section 54(1)(d) of the Universities Act.
By Joseph Mambili
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
>>> Click here to stay up-to-date with trending regional stories
>>> Click here to read more informed opinions on the country’s education landscape
