- Faith Odhiambo argues that the government must explain how it will finance the programme given universities’ financial struggles.
- Odhiambo urges Parliament to demand credible financial projections and a legal framework before implementation.
Former Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo has raised concerns over the government’s proposal to introduce free university education, urging greater transparency on how the programme will be funded and implemented.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, July 22, Odhiambo said that although universal access to higher education is a commendable objective, Kenyans deserve clear and detailed information on the policy’s financial sustainability before its implementation.
“The promise that university will now be free for all sounds like progress, but when it comes months to an election, after years of complaints about a broken funding model, Kenyans are entitled to ask, is this policy or politics?” she stated.
Odhiambo questioned how the government would sustain universal funding, noting that public universities have struggled with financial constraints for years while many students continue to face difficulties accessing adequate loans and scholarships.
“If the State could not sustainably fund the existing model, how does it suddenly find resources to fully fund every KUCCPS‑placed student without a clear legal framework, costed plan and honest conversation about trade‑offs in health, housing and other services?” she posed.
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Odhiambo urged the government to present clear financial projections to Parliament and establish a credible legal framework to guide the proposed reforms.
She asserted that although free, quality university education is a worthy national goal, its implementation must be anchored on sustainable financing, meaningful public participation and long-term planning rather than political pronouncements.
Her remarks follow President William Ruto’s announcement that all students admitted to universities and colleges will receive full government funding from the September 2026 intake, subject to Parliament approving the required legislation.
Speaking at State House on Tuesday, July 21, the President said every student who qualifies through the national examinations and secures placement in a university or college will be fully funded by the government, regardless of their financial background.
By Frank Mugwe
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