President William Ruto has announced a major education policy shift, promising full government funding for all students admitted to public universities and colleges after completing Form Four, subject to parliamentary approval.
Major Boost for Higher Education
President William Ruto has unveiled a new proposal that could transform access to higher education in Kenya by promising full government funding for every student who qualifies for admission to a public university or college after completing the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE).
Speaking at State House, Nairobi, the President said that under the proposed model, students placed in public universities and colleges will receive full funding regardless of their family’s financial background. The changes are expected to take effect from the September 2026 intake, if Parliament approves the necessary legal amendments.
“No Student Will Be Left Behind”
President Ruto stated that qualifying for admission and securing placement through the government system would be the key requirement for accessing the funding.
“Going forward, any student, so long as they have passed their examinations and they have been placed in a college or university, will get full funding for their higher education. It will be the choice of parents if they want to pay,” the President said.
New Funding Model Awaits Parliament
The proposal would replace the current student-centred funding model, which provides different levels of scholarships and loans based on a student’s assessed financial need.
The government is seeking amendments to the law to support the new system before it can be implemented.
Relief for Thousands of Families
If approved, the policy is expected to ease the financial burden on many Kenyan families struggling to pay university and college fees.
Education stakeholders have welcomed the announcement cautiously, noting that the proposal’s success will depend on adequate funding and its approval by Parliament.
