President William Ruto has announced plans to guarantee full government funding for every Kenyan student admitted to a university or college, signalling what could become the biggest overhaul of higher education financing in years.

The proposal, if implemented, would end the requirement that parents make household contributions before students can access university education.

This system has left thousands struggling to enrol despite securing admission.

Addressing the issue on Tuesday, July 21, Ruto declared that qualifying for admission would be the only requirement for government sponsorship.

“Going forward, any student, so long as they have passed their examinations and they have been placed in a college or university, will get full funding for their higher education. It will be the choice for parents if they want to pay.”

Current funding model could be replaced

The announcement marks a significant policy shift as the government seeks to calm growing concerns over the affordability of higher education following months of debate surrounding Kenya’s university funding model.

Unlike the current structure, the President’s proposal would see all placed students receive full funding regardless of their background.

Ruto argued that investing in education is one of the surest ways to accelerate national development, saying countries that have transformed their economies first built strong education systems.

“Countries that are ahead of us had high-quality education. Education was a central pillar. My team tells me that education makes us equal and has no equal. That is where we are taking this.”

The President also revealed that his administration wants Parliament to urgently amend the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) Act before the September university intake.

He said the changes are intended to remove financial barriers that prevent students from pursuing competitive degree programmes.

Parliament urged to fast-track HELB amendments

“I want to implore Parliament to expedite amendments to the Higher Education Loans Board so that beginning September we can make sure that any child who qualifies for medicine does not fail to study medicine because their parents cannot afford to pay the household contribution.”

His remarks suggest the reforms could take effect as early as September, subject to Parliament approving the necessary legal amendments.

Beyond higher education financing, Ruto said the government is preparing broader long-term reforms after receiving fresh proposals on Kenya’s future development agenda.

“As government, we shall now study this proposal carefully.

“We shall engage with its recommendations, consult widely and once that process is done, I will communicate the way forward as we shape Kenya’s next long-term vision.”

If adopted, the policy would represent one of the most far-reaching changes to university and college financing in Kenya, potentially ensuring that admission, rather than a family’s financial status, determines whether a student proceeds to higher education.