- President William Ruto says students will receive government funding regardless of their parents’ financial circumstances.
- He says legislation establishing the new tertiary funding framework will soon be considered by Parliament.
- The proposal comes amid uncertainty over funding for students under the existing higher education model.
President William Ruto has announced plans for the government to fully fund education at universities, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions and the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) from next year.
Speaking in Chebunyo, Bomet County, President Ruto said legislation seeking to provide for the programme is before Parliament and would establish a new framework for financing tertiary education.
“The Bill is ready and will soon be presented to the National Assembly,” Ruto said, adding that his administration was committed to ensuring that lack of money does not prevent students from pursuing higher education.
The President said a student’s opportunity to study should not be determined by the financial ability of their parents, but by their academic potential and willingness to learn.
“Education should not be measured by the financial ability of a student’s parents, but by the student’s ability to study,” he said.
Ruto said the government would set aside sufficient funds to ensure the programme is successfully implemented, signalling a major shift in the financing of higher education.
He also said he was ready to be tested on the promise next year, maintaining that education remains a key priority of his administration.
“I am ready to be tested on this matter next year,” the President said.
The announcement could bring relief to thousands of students and families struggling to meet the cost of higher education.
It comes, however, amid continued uncertainty surrounding the country’s current higher education funding model, with some students reportedly remaining at home because of a lack of, or delays in receiving, government funding.
The government is currently processing first-time applicants under the existing Student-Centred Funding Model while Parliament considers the Tertiary Education, Placement and Funding Bill, 2026. Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba said earlier this month that transitional arrangements would be introduced after the Bill becomes law.
The proposed legislation is intended to establish a broader funding framework covering university, TVET, KMTC and other tertiary students.
Melly praises government’s education record
Separately, National Assembly Education Committee Chairman Julius Melly praised President Ruto’s record in the education sector, describing it as unmatched.
Melly cited several measures undertaken by the government in recent years, saying they demonstrated the President’s commitment to transforming education in the country.
According to Melly, the government’s actions so far point to a deliberate effort to make education more accessible and improve opportunities for Kenyan students.
The proposed funding programme, if approved and fully financed, would represent a significant development in Kenya’s education sector and could ease the immediate financial burden facing students and their families.
By Kimutai Langat
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