Kenyan parents and students are reeling from shock after the tuition fee for first-year students in public universities tripled, rising from KSh 16,000 to KSh 48,000 per year.
The new rates, announced by university leaders, are part of a strategy to help institutions clear mounting debts, including unpaid staff pensions and accumulated bills amounting to more than KSh 60 billion.
Who is affected?
The increase only applies to new students enrolling in September. Continuing students will continue paying the old rates.
Government explanation
Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu has urged parents and students not to panic, clarifying that the higher figures printed on admission letters reflect the total course cost before government support is applied.
“The actual amount a student will pay will only be determined after their funding application is processed,” said Machogu.
Student concerns
Despite the government’s assurances, many families—particularly from low-income backgrounds—say they are worried about affording the higher fees. Students placed in higher income bands under the new funding model will be expected to pay more, raising fears of heavy debt burdens after graduation.
The way forward
The Ministry of Education has promised a review of the funding framework to ensure fairness and sustainability. Students are advised to keep track of official updates and apply for financial aid where possible.
For now, however, the sudden jump has left many new university entrants anxious about how their education journey will begin.
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