In a historic move to alleviate financial burdens on students and families, the Kenyan government has announced sweeping reductions to public university fees effective September 1, 2025. The directive, issued by the State Department for Higher Education, follows nationwide consultations and adopts a new “Student-Centred Funding” model.
Key Reforms:
- Across-the-Board Cuts: Fees for all academic programs have been lowered, with revised rates applied to both new and continuing students.
- Cluster-Based Fee Structure: Programs are grouped into clusters with standardized fees:
- Medicine (Clinical): KSh 15,999/semester
- Basic Sciences (Math, Physics, Biology): KSh 10,659–42,836
- Humanities/Social Sciences: KSh 5,814–23,352
- Funding Safeguards: Costs will continue to be covered through a mix of tuition fees, need-based scholarships, and loans.
Why It Matters:
The reforms respond to years of student protests over unaffordable education. In an official memo, Principal Secretary Dr. Beatrice Muganda Inyangala stated: “This reaffirms our commitment to accessible, quality education while maintaining institutional sustainability.” The government emphasized that reduced fees will not compromise financial stability, citing efficient resource management.
Implementation Timeline:
- Universities must update admission and finance portals by August 31, 2025.
- The new structure applies to Semester 1 of the 2025/2026 academic year.
The move aligns with Kenya’s broader vision to position higher education as an “engine of national development.” Signatories Dr. Inyangala and Public Service Chief Juliar Migo Ogamba called for “efficient and equitable” cooperation from all institutions.
Editor’s Note: Fee tables show minor discrepancies (e.g., repeated “Diseases – Clinical” entries). Universities are expected to clarify program-specific rates in coming days.
