Private universities remain in limbo as Ksh58.8 billion owed by the government is unlikely to be released soon. The Ministry of Education (MoE) says the figure is currently under review by the Pending Bills Committee, delaying any confirmation or release of the funds.
University leaders warn that the arrears, spanning several academic years, have forced institutions to dip into reserves to pay staff and sustain programmes. They say prolonged delays risk destabilizing the sector and disrupting education for thousands of students.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba said the ministry is reviewing all outstanding obligations and consulting with government agencies to design a more structured and predictable funding framework.
“We are exploring sustainable financing solutions for both public and private universities, and timelines will be communicated once the committee report is concluded,” he said.
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Officials say reforms under the Student-Centred Funding Model aim to make university financing fairer, transparent, and more predictable. Closer coordination with funding agencies is expected to prevent similar delays in the future.
Private university representatives, however, stress that the current wait is already taking a toll. Prof Stephen Mbugua Ngari, chair of the Kenya Association of Private Universities, said institutions are struggling to maintain staffing and resources while carrying the financial burden.
The sector is urging swift government action, warning that any further delays could compromise the quality of higher education, weaken private universities’ contribution to research and innovation, and limit the production of skilled graduates critical to Kenya’s economy.
By Mercy Kokwon
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