President William Ruto has assured students and parents that reforms to the university funding model are at an advanced stage as the government moves to fulfill its pledge of fully funding all eligible students pursuing higher education.
The President said the reforms are intended to establish a sustainable and equitable financing system that guarantees access to higher education based on students’ level of need.
We are restructuring the university funding model to ensure that every student who qualifies for university education is fully supported. No deserving Kenyan will be denied an opportunity to pursue higher education because of lack of fees
William ruto
His remarks come as students continue submitting applications for scholarships, loans and bursaries for universities, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions, and teacher training colleges under the current funding model.
The applications are being processed using the existing framework as education agencies await Parliament’s approval of legislation that will anchor the new funding system in law.
There has, however, been confusion over the legislation expected to operationalize the reforms. While President Ruto has referred to the Higher Education Loans Board (Amendment) Bill, 2026, the Ministry of Education has indicated that the reforms will instead be anchored in the Tertiary Education Placement and Funding Bill, 2026. The differing positions have raised questions over which Bill Parliament will ultimately consider.
President Ruto has urged Parliament to fast-track the legislative process, saying the reforms are critical to ensuring all qualifying students receive adequate financial support and that no learner is locked out of higher education due to financial constraints.
