Ruto Announces Full Government Funding for All Public University Students

President William Ruto has announced that all students admitted to public universities and colleges will receive full government funding under a proposed new higher education financing model. 

The reforms are expected to begin in September 2026 if approved by Parliament.

Ruto announced the changes at State House on Tuesday while receiving the report Developing a New Vision for Kenya: Towards a First World Nation. He said the proposed amendments would ensure that access to higher education is based on academic ability rather than a student’s financial background.

“It will not matter the background of any child in Kenya, but how good they are,” Ruto said, highlighting the government’s aim of creating equal opportunities for learners across the country.

Kenya has previously introduced several higher education funding systems, including the differentiated funding model and a more recent approach based on household income assessments. However, both faced challenges. The differentiated model placed financial pressure on universities, while the household contribution system led some students to drop out of costly courses because their families could not afford the required payments.

Under the proposed system, all students who gain admission to public universities and colleges will have their tuition fees and related expenses covered by the government. Families that are able and willing to contribute may continue to do so, but state funding will support students who cannot meet the costs.

The reforms require amendments to the Higher Education Loans Board Act, which are currently before Parliament. Ruto has called on legislators to fast-track the process to allow the new funding model to take effect for the September 2026 intake. He said no student should be prevented from pursuing courses such as medicine or engineering because of their family’s financial circumstances.

The President said the reforms reflect the government’s belief that education is a key driver of equality and national development. He pointed to the role of investment in education in advancing other countries and said Kenya was seeking to place education at the centre of its long-term development plans.