Public university students in Kenya will pay between 15 and 40 per cent less in tuition fees starting September 1, 2025, following a directive from the Ministry of Education instructing all public institutions to implement a revised fee structure across all academic programmes.

The Ministry has ordered universities and constituent colleges to update their admissions and finance portals immediately to reflect the new charges.

The changes apply to both incoming and continuing students.

In a circular dated 30th July, Dr Beatrice Muganda, Principal Secretary for Higher Education, said the reforms were prompted by consultations with students, families, and education stakeholders.

“The Government has lowered fees payable by students across all academic programmes,” she stated.

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A day later, Cabinet Secretary for Education Hon. Julius Migos Ogamba confirmed the scale of the adjustment in a press statement.

“The rationalisation has led to the reduction of public university fees by between 15 per cent and 40 per cent,” he said.

The changes stem from recommendations by the National Committee on Review of the University Education Funding Model.

The committee included student leaders, vice-chancellors, union officials, university staff, and professionals.

Their work focused on aligning tuition fees with the real cost of delivering academic programmes, based on factors such as staff-student ratios and increased enrolment.

“The insights and data generated on staff-student ratios as well as economies of scale accruing from a growing number of students informed the recalibration of the student-payable fees,” the Ministry noted.

To support students, the government will continue to bridge the cost through needs-based scholarships and loans.

Learners are advised to consult university finance offices or access the Higher Education Financing portal (www.hef.co.ke) for guidance on applying for assistance.

Universities have been called upon to cooperate fully in implementing the revised structure, which aims to ensure affordability and preserve access to higher education without compromising institutional sustainability.