Hundreds of thousands of learners from various Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions across the country have taken to the streets in recent weeks to protest what they describe as unfair and punitive changes to the fee structure in their institutions.
Students who expressed their disappointments, said a recent shift to charging fees per module has dramatically increased education costs, pushing annual expenses for many programmes to between Ksh80,000 and Ksh140,000 — a steep rise from the roughly Ksh 70,000 they were told to expect just weeks earlier.
The demonstrations, organised by student unions and associations from a range of institutions, reflect deepening dissatisfaction over the cost of TVET education.
Many trainees say the sudden hike has placed intense financial pressure on them and their families, forcing some to contemplate deferring studies or dropping out altogether.
“With limited funding and delayed support, the fear of losing academic progress is growing.” They said
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A major point of contention is the perception that funding from the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) and scholarship allocations are not being prioritised equitably for TVET learners compared with university students.
Protesters argue that while universities receive higher upkeep allowances and more consistent loan disbursements, TVET students are often left with smaller allocations and slower access to funds — intensifying financial stress for those enrolled in hands-on technical programmes.
The situation has been particularly volatile at Kisumu National Polytechnic, where students alleged that the administration introduced unauthorised charges of up to Ksh8,000 per student and demanded payment for a semester during which the campus was closed due to ongoing unrest.
These allegations have fuelled student anger and intensified protests, according to reports.
Demonstrations at the institution have previously escalated to the point that operations were disrupted and learning suspended as students called for transparency, fair treatment and accountability from leaders.
Students nationwide are also calling on government agencies and TVET authorities to review the fee structures, ensure fairness in fund distribution, and expand support mechanisms for technical education.
Many feel that unless urgent reforms are enacted, the growing financial barriers could undermine Kenya’s broader goals of expanding skills training and improving access to technical careers for the country’s youth.
Recently, the Principal Secretary in charge of TVET, Dr. Esther Muoria dismissed claims that modularization of programmes offered at the institutions was expensive, saying the reforms are intended to lower the cost of skills education and fast‑track employment for young people.
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According to Muoria, the new system breaks long courses into shorter, competency‑based modules that allow learners to qualify faster for the job market.
Muoria said tuition fees have been capped at Ksh35,000 per module, with assessments conducted progressively rather than at the end of the course.
“Examination of our students is formative and not summative. Learners are trained to perfection in specific fields and must demonstrate mastery before progressing,” Muoria explained, noting that some diploma programmes traditionally lasting two to three years have been shortened to just one year.
However, the Kenya Union of Technical and Vocational Education Trainers (KUTVET) has criticised the modularisation rollout, citing rising fees, compressed schedules and increased dropout rates. KUTVET argues that the reforms were rushed without proper consultation or piloting.
Union Secretary General Kepher Oguwi noted that the three‑month modules leave students with inadequate preparation time, especially in institutions where learning is frequently disrupted.
By Our reporter
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