The Government of Kenya has announced a major reduction in public university fees across all academic programmes, marking a bold shift in higher education financing aimed at making learning more accessible and affordable. In a circular signed by Dr. Beatrice Muganda Inyangala, Principal Secretary for Higher Education, the government confirmed that the revised fees will take effect from September 1, 2025, and apply to both first-year and continuing students.
The move follows extensive consultations with students, parents, education experts, and the general public, and is part of the broader Student-Centred Funding Model. The model is designed to ensure fair, needs-based access to university education while maintaining financial sustainability for institutions.
“In direct response to concerns raised by students and their families, the Government has lowered fees payable by students across all academic programmes,” the circular stated. The Ministry further directed all public universities to update their admissions and finance portals to reflect the new fee structures without delay.
According to the new schedule, tuition per semester now ranges from KSh 9,720 to KSh 75,000, depending on the programme cluster. Clinical Medicine remains the most expensive at KSh 75,000 per semester, while courses in Agriculture and Natural Resource Management are among the lowest, starting at KSh 9,720. Programmes like Engineering, Architecture, Health Sciences, Social Sciences, and Education have also seen significant fee reductions. For example, Engineering students will now pay between KSh 14,256 and KSh 57,084, while Food Science and Technology students will pay KSh 11,401 to KSh 45,603.
The circular emphasized that the cost of university education will continue to be met through a combination of tuition fees, government scholarships, and loans tailored to the needs of individual students. This blended financing model is expected to ensure no deserving student is locked out of university education due to lack of funds.
“The Government remains steadfast in its vision to transform higher education as a cornerstone of national development. We count on your full cooperation to implement these reforms efficiently, equitably, and in the best interest of Kenyan students and families,” concluded Dr. Inyangala.
The communication was copied to Mr. Felix K. Koskei, Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service at the Executive Office of the President, and Julius Migos Ogamba, Cabinet Secretary for Education—signaling high-level government support for the reforms.
This historic move is poised to increase university enrolment, ease financial pressure on households, and reaffirm the government’s commitment to inclusive, high-quality education for all.
