In a historic move aimed at expanding access to higher education, the Government of Kenya has doubled its funding to local universities over the past two years, committing more than Sh82 billion through a newly introduced funding model. The initiative seeks to prioritize student-centered financing and ensure no qualified but needy student is left behind.
Education Cabinet Secretary (CS) Julius Migos Ogamba underscored the importance of this funding model, which operates under the Differentiated Unit Cost (DUC) system. The model has bolstered financial support for public and private tertiary institutions, in response to the surging number of students enrolling for higher education.
In a speech delivered on his behalf by Dr. Beatrice Muganda Inyangala, Principal Secretary in the State Department for Higher Education and Research, Ministry of Education, during the Second Biennial Conference on University Financing in Naivasha, CS Ogamba revealed that the government requires Sh45.85 billion to support the education of 246,391 students set to join universities in the 2025/26 financial year. This figure represents the largest cohort of students ever to qualify for university admission, all having attained the minimum aggregate score of C+ and above in the 2024 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examination.
The CS highlighted the significant financial burden of fully supporting these students through their four-year courses, estimating a total requirement of over Sh100 billion. He called for collaborative efforts to devise effective strategies to meet this demand, acknowledging the challenge posed by an ever-constrained government budget, which already dedicates a substantial share to education.
“About 45,258 more candidates scored C+ and above compared to the 2023 KCSE cohort. We must therefore explore mechanisms to ensure that all qualifiers are admitted, funded, and settled in our universities,” Ogamba stated.
Reassuring students, parents, and guardians, the CS confirmed that the Ministry is engaging in extensive consultations ahead of the opening of the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) portal. This will allow the 2024 KCSE candidates to select their preferred courses and institutions.
“All students, parents, and guardians should remain assured that they will be admitted to universities and colleges of their choice in line with the set deadlines,” he added.
In light of the growing number of students qualifying for higher education and the strain on government resources, Ogamba urged stakeholders to help define the optimal number of students the government can sustainably support. He also encouraged those who can afford it to explore alternative funding and loan options for their education.
The CS called on stakeholders to consider innovative financing solutions beyond government funding, such as public-private partnerships, endowments, and alumni contributions. These alternatives, he said, could provide sustainable financial support to institutions and ease the burden on the state.
Additionally, Ogamba emphasized the importance of equity and inclusion in education financing. He urged stakeholders to develop policies that ensure equitable access, particularly for marginalized communities and students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Although the implementation of the new funding model is currently suspended due to pending court of appeal cases, the government remains optimistic about a favorable resolution. This, the CS noted, would help address ongoing challenges such as mounting institutional debts and ensure the long-term sustainability of the education sector.
