Private universities are preparing for an increase in student enrollment as more learners choose these institutions, marking a shift from the trend of the past decade.
Highlighting their increasing popularity, a total of 18,557 students have applied for placement in private universities for the upcoming academic year, nearly double the 9,622 enrolled in 2023, according to the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS).
A total of 134,743 students were admitted to public universities for the 2024 academic year.
The increased demand aligns with expanded opportunities, as 35 private institutions have collectively announced a capacity of 57,322 available slots for the 2024-25 academic cycle.
In the updated higher education funding model, students now have the option to choose between public and private universities for their academic pursuits. Those who opt for private institutions forego government scholarships but still have access to loans.
In a previous interview, Kenyatta University’s Dr Patrick Mbataru emphasized that expansion opportunities in East Africa are becoming increasingly limited, prompting universities to explore options beyond their immediate surroundings.
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Mount Kenya is the top choice for students, with 3,226 placements out of a declared capacity of 6,103. KCA University (2,074), Zetech (1,703), Kabarak (1,653), and the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (1,218) closely follow in student preferences.
Until recently, public universities compensated for the shortfall in government disbursements by generating revenue through admitting self-sponsored students.
With recent policy changes and a decline in demand for these programmes, they now face financial difficulties.
Over the past three years, the number of self-sponsored students has significantly decreased due to the government’s decision to lower the entry requirements for high school graduates joining universities.
Public universities heavily depend on government subsidies for their operations. However, the current funding only supports 57 per cent of the student population, falling short of the intended 80 per cent target.
The majority of this allocation is directed towards staff salaries, leaving minimal resources for enhancing quality.
Additionally, KUCCPS data reveals disparities within the private university ecosystem, with certain institutions facing challenges in attracting applicants.
The International Leadership University, for example, announced a capacity for 300 students but received only one application for placement. In contrast, the Management University of Africa filled 12 out of its 750 available slots.
The rise in student interest corresponds to the government’s growing reliance on private universities to supplement the capacity of public institutions.
According to KUCCPS, an impressive 86,270 state-sponsored students have enrolled in private universities over the past six years.
The collaboration between public and private sectors has expanded higher education access while easing the burden on public universities.
Private university admissions for government-funded students exhibited an upward trend from 2016 to 2021, with fluctuations. In 2016, private institutions admitted 10,984 students, rising to 27,756 in 2020, but declining to 12,000 in 2021.
These fluctuations can be attributed to policy changes, economic factors, and the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The decision to integrate private universities into the higher education landscape in 2014 initially boosted enrollment at these institutions.
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