The Kenyan government’s announcement of a revised fee structure for public universities and their constituent colleges, effective September 1, 2025, has brought significant relief to students and families. This landmark policy, driven by the Student-Centred Funding Model, slashes tuition fees across all academic programmes, making higher education more affordable and accessible. For students seeking cost-effective options, this article highlights the courses with the lowest fees under the new structure, ranked from the lowest to the highest minimum fees per semester. We also explore the funding model, its benefits, and how students can maximize financial support.
Background: A New Era for Affordable Higher Education
On July 30, 2025, the Ministry of Education, led by Principal Secretary Dr. Beatrice Muganda Inyangala, unveiled a revised fee schedule following extensive consultations with students, parents, and higher education stakeholders. The initiative addresses long-standing concerns about the high cost of university education, aligning with the government’s vision to transform higher education into a cornerstone of national development. The new fees, applicable to both first-year and continuing students, are supported by a combination of tuition fees, government scholarships, and student loans under the Student-Centred Funding Model.
This article focuses on the most affordable academic programmes, ranked by their minimum semester fees, to help students identify budget-friendly courses that align with their career goals. With fees as low as KSh 5,814 per semester for some programmes, higher education is now within reach for many Kenyan households.
The Student-Centred Funding Model: Making Education Affordable
Introduced in 2023, the Student-Centred Funding Model shifts from block funding to universities to individualized student support based on financial need. Administered by the Universities Fund (UF) and the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB), the model ensures that programme costs are covered through:
- Tuition Fees: Paid by students or households, now significantly reduced.
- Government Scholarships: Available through UF, covering up to 80% of costs for needy students.
- Student Loans: Provided by HELB for tuition and maintenance.
- Bursaries: Offered by counties, constituencies, or private entities.
Students are categorized into financial need bands using the Means Testing Instrument (MTI). For example, vulnerable students may receive up to 100% funding (80% scholarship, 20% loan), while less needy students cover 7% of costs, with scholarships and loans covering 93%.
Benefits for Students
- Affordability: Lower fees reduce out-of-pocket expenses.
- Equity: Financial aid targets those who need it most.
- Transparency: Universities must publicize programme costs.
- Flexibility: Students can appeal funding decisions via the Higher Education Funding Portal.
Courses With the Lowest Fees: Ranked From Lowest to Highest
The revised fee structure categorizes academic programmes into 14 clusters, with fees varying by programme and university. Below, we rank the programme clusters with the lowest minimum fees per semester, based on the Ministry’s schedule announced on July 30, 2025. The list focuses on clusters with minimum fees below KSh 15,000 per semester, highlighting the most affordable options for students.
1. Cluster 14: Basic Humanities and Social Sciences
- Minimum Fee: KSh 5,814
- Maximum Fee: KSh 23,256
- Programmes:
- Economics
- Geography (BA)
- History
- Philosophy
- Religion
- Sociology
- Literature
- Political Science
- Linguistics
- Why Choose This Cluster?: These programmes are ideal for students interested in social sciences and humanities, offering low-cost entry into fields like academia, public policy, and social work. They require fewer specialized resources, keeping fees low.
2. Cluster 13: Applied Humanities and Social Sciences
- Minimum Fee: KSh 6,982
- Maximum Fee: KSh 27,927
- Programmes:
- Geography (BA)
- Public Administration
- Psychology
- Music (BA)
- Peace and Security Studies
- Disaster Management
- Anthropology
- Languages
- BA with Education
- Language and Communication
- International Relations and Diplomacy
- Social Work and Development Studies
- Why Choose This Cluster?: These programmes combine practical applications with humanities, preparing students for careers in governance, education, and community development. The low fees make them accessible to a wide range of students.
3. Cluster 12: Business and Education (Arts)
- Minimum Fee: KSh 7,525
- Maximum Fee: KSh 30,101
- Programmes:
- Business
- Education (Arts)
- Economics
- Why Choose This Cluster?: Perfect for students aiming for careers in business administration, teaching, or economic analysis, these programmes offer practical skills at a low cost, with strong job prospects in Kenya’s growing economy.
4. Cluster 11: Applied Social Sciences and Arts (Professional)
- Minimum Fee: KSh 9,690
- Maximum Fee: KSh 38,760
- Programmes:
- Hospitality
- Media and Communication Studies
- Library and Information Studies
- Business Information Technology
- Sport Science and Management
- Fashion Design
- Interior Design
- Music (B.Mus.)
- Civil Aviation Management
- Maritime Management
- Agribusiness Management
- Theatre and Film Studies
- Fine Art
- Food Service and Management
- Law
- Why Choose This Cluster?: These professional courses cater to creative and technical fields, offering diverse career paths in media, hospitality, and law. The relatively low fees make them attractive for students seeking specialized training.
5. Cluster 8d: Agriculture, Natural Resource Management, and Wildlife
- Minimum Fee: KSh 9,720
- Maximum Fee: KSh 38,880
- Programmes:
- Agriculture
- Natural Resource Management
- Wildlife Science and Management
- Natural Environment
- Why Choose This Cluster?: With Kenya’s focus on sustainable development, these programmes align with national priorities in agriculture and environmental conservation, offering affordable entry into high-impact fields.
6. Cluster 10: Basic Sciences
- Minimum Fee: KSh 10,659
- Maximum Fee: KSh 42,636
- Programmes:
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Geography (BSc)
- Why Choose This Cluster?: These foundational science programmes are ideal for students interested in research, education, or technical careers, with low fees making them accessible to science enthusiasts.
7. Cluster 8c: Food Sciences and Nutrition
- Minimum Fee: KSh 11,401
- Maximum Fee: KSh 45,603
- Programmes:
- Food Sciences
- Food Science and Technology
- Food and Nutrition
- Why Choose This Cluster?: With growing demand for expertise in food security and nutrition, these programmes offer affordable pathways to careers in health and agriculture.
8. Cluster 9: Applied Sciences and Education (Science and Technology)
- Minimum Fee: KSh 11,628
- Maximum Fee: KSh 46,512
- Programmes:
- Education (Science, Tech, and Special Needs)
- Exercise and Sport Science
- Biochemistry
- Biotechnology
- Biomedical Sciences
- Applied Microbiology and Molecular Biology
- Applied and Technical Physics
- Applied and Technical Chemistry
- Applied and Technical Biology
- Statistics
- Actuarial Science
- Financial Engineering
- Environmental Science
- Why Choose This Cluster?: These programmes combine science and technology with practical applications, offering affordable options for students interested in education, research, or specialized fields like actuarial science.
9. Cluster 3a: Veterinary Medicine – Pre-Clinical
- Minimum Fee: KSh 12,343
- Maximum Fee: KSh 49,371
- Programmes:
- Veterinary Medicine (Pre-Clinical)
- Why Choose This Cluster?: An affordable entry into veterinary medicine, this programme is ideal for students passionate about animal health, with lower fees than clinical phases.
10. Cluster 4a: Pharmacy – Pre-Clinical
- Minimum Fee: KSh 12,343
- Maximum Fee: KSh 49,371
- Programmes:
- Pharmacy (Pre-Clinical)
- Why Choose This Cluster?: Offers a cost-effective start to a pharmacy career, with high demand for pharmacists in Kenya’s healthcare sector.
11. Cluster 1a: Medicine – Pre-Clinical
- Minimum Fee: KSh 12,960
- Maximum Fee: KSh 51,840
- Programmes:
- Medicine (Pre-Clinical)
- Why Choose This Cluster?: Despite being a high-cost field, the pre-clinical phase of medicine is now more affordable, making it accessible for aspiring doctors.
12. Cluster 2a: Dentistry – Pre-Clinical
- Minimum Fee: KSh 12,960
- Maximum Fee: KSh 51,840
- Programmes:
- Dentistry (Pre-Clinical)
- Why Choose This Cluster?: An affordable entry into dentistry, with opportunities to specialize in a high-demand medical field.
13. Cluster 5a: Architecture – Part I
- Minimum Fee: KSh 12,960
- Maximum Fee: KSh 51,840
- Programmes:
- Architecture (Part I)
- Why Choose This Cluster?: Offers a cost-effective start to a career in architecture, a field with growing opportunities in Kenya’s urban development sector.
14. Cluster 7: Built Environment and Design
- Minimum Fee: KSh 12,960
- Maximum Fee: KSh 51,840
- Programmes:
- Construction
- Real Estate
- Urban and Regional Planning
- Landscape Architecture
- Design
- Computing
- Why Choose This Cluster?: These programmes align with Kenya’s infrastructure and technology growth, offering affordable training for in-demand careers.
15. Cluster 8b: Health and Related Sciences
- Minimum Fee: KSh 13,082
- Maximum Fee: KSh 52,326
- Programmes:
- Animal Science
- Radiography
- Sport Science
- Medical Psychology
- Physical Therapy
- Public Health
- Environmental Health
- Community Health and Development
- Why Choose This Cluster?: These health-related fields are critical to Kenya’s healthcare system, with affordable fees making them accessible to more students.
Note: Fees are per semester and may vary within the specified range depending on the university. Students should verify exact fees with their institutions.
How to Access These Affordable Courses
To enroll in these low-cost programmes, students must apply through the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) portal, which facilitates programme placement. Funding applications are processed via:
- KUCCPS Portal: For course selection and initial funding applications.
- Higher Education Funding Portal: For scholarships and appeals.
- HELB Portal: For tuition and maintenance loans.
Application Tips
- Apply Early: Deadlines for 2025 applications are expected around July 31, 2025.
- Check Eligibility: Ensure you meet academic requirements for your chosen programme.
- Provide Accurate Financial Details: Accurate MTI data ensures appropriate funding.
- Appeal Funding Decisions: Use the funding portal to request adjustments if needed.
- Explore Bursaries: Apply for additional support from counties or private organizations.
Benefits of Choosing Low-Fee Courses
Opting for programmes with lower fees offers several advantages:
- Reduced Financial Burden: Lower out-of-pocket costs for households.
- High Funding Coverage: Needy students may receive up to 100% funding.
- Diverse Career Paths: From humanities to sciences, these clusters cover a wide range of professions.
- Alignment with National Goals: Many programmes (e.g., agriculture, public health) support Kenya’s development priorities.
Example: Funding for a BA in Sociology (Cluster 14)
- Annual Fee: KSh 11,628–46,512 (KSh 5,814–23,256 per semester)
- Funding Breakdown (for a needy student):
- Scholarship: KSh 36,400
- Tuition Loan: KSh 13,000
- Maintenance Loan: KSh 6,000
- Household Contribution: KSh 2,600 per year
- Outcome: Minimal household contribution, making the programme highly affordable.
Challenges and Considerations
While the fee reduction is a game-changer, students should be aware of potential challenges:
- Funding Delays: Past delays in disbursing scholarships and loans (e.g., Sh29 billion shortfall in 2024) could affect enrollment.
- Programme Availability: Not all universities offer every programme in these clusters.
- Career Prospects: Some low-fee programmes (e.g., humanities) may face competitive job markets, requiring additional skills or certifications.
- Implementation: Universities must update systems by September 1, 2025, to reflect new fees, and delays could cause confusion.
Kenya’s 2025 public university fee structure offers unprecedented opportunities for students to pursue affordable higher education. With minimum fees as low as KSh 5,814 per semester for programmes like Sociology, Economics, and Literature, and robust funding support through the Student-Centred Funding Model, students from diverse backgrounds can access quality education. By choosing courses from the low-fee clusters outlined above, students can minimize financial burdens while preparing for impactful careers. Stay proactive—apply early, verify fees with your university, and leverage scholarships and loans to make your education journey affordable and successful.
