The rising cost of university education in Kenya has been a growing concern for students, parents, and stakeholders. Following extensive consultations with the public, students, and higher education stakeholders, the government responded with a significant reduction in tuition fees across all academic programmes. Announced on July 30, 2025, by Principal Secretary for Higher Education, Dr. Beatrice Muganda Inyangala, this policy shift reflects the government’s commitment to transforming higher education into a cornerstone of national development. The revised fees, effective for both first-year and continuing students, mark a pivotal step toward equitable access to quality education.
Understanding the Student-Centred Funding Model
Introduced in 2023, the Student-Centred Funding Model replaced the Differentiated Unit Cost (DUC) model, shifting from block funding to universities to individualized student support. This model emphasizes financial need over academic merit alone, ensuring that funding is distributed equitably. Under this framework, the cost of university programmes is met through a combination of:
- Tuition Fees: Paid by students or their households.
- Government Scholarships: Administered by the Universities Fund (UF).
- Student Loans: Provided by the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB).
- Bursaries: Available from county governments, constituency development funds, and private entities.
The model categorizes students into bands based on their financial need, determined by the Means Testing Instrument (MTI). For example, vulnerable and extremely needy students may receive up to 100% funding, while less needy students receive 93% funding (scholarships and loans) with households covering the remaining 7%.
Revised Public University Fees for 2025: Detailed Breakdown
The Ministry of Education has outlined a detailed schedule of revised semester fees for 2025, categorized into 14 programme clusters. Each cluster includes a minimum and maximum fee range, reflecting variations across universities and programme requirements. Below is the complete fee structure as announced on July 30, 2025:
Cluster 1: Medicine
- 1a: Medicine – Pre-Clinical
- Minimum Fee: KSh 12,960
- Maximum Fee: KSh 51,840
- 1b: Medicine – Clinical
- Minimum Fee: KSh 22,371
- Maximum Fee: KSh 75,000
Cluster 2: Dentistry
- 2a: Dentistry – Pre-Clinical
- Minimum Fee: KSh 12,960
- Maximum Fee: KSh 51,840
- 2b: Dentistry – Clinical
- Minimum Fee: KSh 22,371
- Maximum Fee: KSh 75,000
Cluster 3: Veterinary Medicine
- 3a: Veterinary Medicine – Pre-Clinical
- Minimum Fee: KSh 12,343
- Maximum Fee: KSh 49,371
- 3b: Veterinary Medicine – Clinical
- Minimum Fee: KSh 20,546
- Maximum Fee: KSh 75,000
Cluster 4: Pharmacy
- 4a: Pharmacy – Pre-Clinical
- Minimum Fee: KSh 12,343
- Maximum Fee: KSh 49,371
- 4b: Pharmacy – Clinical
- Minimum Fee: KSh 19,152
- Maximum Fee: KSh 75,000
Cluster 5: Architectural Studies
- 5a: Architecture – Part I
- Minimum Fee: KSh 12,960
- Maximum Fee: KSh 51,840
- 5b: Architecture – Professional (Part II)
- Minimum Fee: KSh 14,472
- Maximum Fee: KSh 57,888
Cluster 6: Engineering and Surveying
- Minimum Fee: KSh 14,256
- Maximum Fee: KSh 57,024
- Programmes: Engineering, Surveying
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
Cluster 8: Health and Related Sciences
- 8a: Health Sciences, Nursing, Clinical Medicine (BSc), Medical Laboratory Science
- Minimum Fee: KSh 14,400
- Maximum Fee: KSh 57,600
- 8b: Animal Science, Radiography, Sport Science, Medical Psychology, Physical Therapy, Public Health, Environmental Health, Community Health
- Minimum Fee: KSh 13,082
- Maximum Fee: KSh 52,326
- 8c: Food Sciences, Food Science and Technology, Food and Nutrition
- Minimum Fee: KSh 11,401
- Maximum Fee: KSh 45,603
- 8d: Agriculture, Natural Resource Management, Wildlife Science
- Minimum Fee: KSh 9,720
- Maximum Fee: KSh 38,880
Cluster 9: Applied Sciences and Education (Science and Technology)
- Minimum Fee: KSh 11,628
- Maximum Fee: KSh 46,512
- Programmes: Education (Science, Tech, Special Needs), Exercise and Sport Science, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Biomedical Sciences, Applied Microbiology, Statistics, Actuarial Science, Environmental Science
Cluster 10: Basic Sciences
- Minimum Fee: KSh 10,659
- Maximum Fee: KSh 42,636
- Programmes: Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Geography (BSc)
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, Fashion Design, Music (B.Mus.), Civil Aviation Management, Agribusiness Management, Theatre and Film Studies, Law
Cluster 12: Business and Education (Arts)
- Minimum Fee: KSh 7,525
- Maximum Fee: KSh 30,101
- Programmes: Business, Education (Arts), Economics
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, Anthropology, Languages, International Relations, Social Work
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
Note: Fees are per semester and vary within the specified range depending on the university and specific programme requirements. Students should check with their respective institutions for exact amounts.
How the Revised Fees Impact Students and Families
The 2025 fee reduction is a significant relief for Kenyan households grappling with the rising cost of education. For instance, a student pursuing a Bachelor of Arts (Cluster 12) will now pay between KSh 7,525 and KSh 30,101 per semester, down from previous rates that could exceed KSh 50,000. Similarly, high-cost programmes like Medicine (Clinical) have seen maximum fees capped at KSh 75,000 per semester, a notable decrease from earlier proposals.
Case Study: Medicine at the University of Nairobi
- Previous Fee (2023): Up to KSh 520,000 per year for Medicine.
- New Fee (2025): KSh 22,371–75,000 per semester (KSh 44,742–150,000 annually).
- Funding Example: A needy student may receive:
- Scholarship: KSh 364,000
- Tuition Loan: KSh 130,000
- Maintenance Loan: KSh 60,000
- Household Contribution: KSh 26,000 per year
This example illustrates how the Student-Centred Funding Model reduces out-of-pocket expenses for families while ensuring students can complete their education.
Implementation and Compliance
The Ministry has directed all public universities to update their admissions and finance portals to reflect the new fee structure by September 1, 2025. Vice-Chancellors and Principals of constituent colleges are tasked with ensuring a smooth transition. Non-compliance could disrupt student admissions and funding processes, as universities must align with the government’s directive to maintain eligibility for scholarships and loans.
Steps for Universities
- Update Portals: Reflect revised fees on admissions and finance systems.
- Communicate Changes: Inform students and parents of new fee schedules.
- Facilitate Funding Applications: Guide students through scholarship and loan processes.
- Monitor Compliance: Ensure adherence to the Ministry’s directive.
Challenges and Criticisms
While the fee reduction has been widely welcomed, challenges remain in implementing the Student-Centred Funding Model. Some stakeholders have raised concerns about:
- Funding Shortfalls: The National Treasury’s failure to remit Sh29 billion to UF and HELB in 2024 strained the model’s rollout.
- Administrative Bottlenecks: Delays in processing scholarships and loans could affect students’ ability to enroll on time.
- Private University Exclusion: Students in private universities are ineligible for government scholarships, potentially limiting access.
- Sustainability: Reduced fees may strain university budgets, necessitating alternative revenue streams like endowments or short courses.
The government has addressed some concerns by allowing funding appeals until April 21, 2025, and reinstating the model after a Court of Appeal ruling overturned a High Court decision declaring it unconstitutional.
How Students Can Access Funding
To benefit from the revised fee structure and funding model, students must apply for scholarships and loans through designated portals:
- KUCCPS Portal: For programme placement and initial funding applications.
- Higher Education Funding Portal: For scholarships and funding appeals.
- HELB Portal: For student loans, including tuition and maintenance loans.
Application Tips
- Apply Early: Deadlines for 2025 funding applications are expected around July 31, 2025.
- Provide Accurate Information: Ensure financial details align with MTI requirements.
- Appeal if Necessary: Use the funding portal to contest inadequate allocations.
- Explore Bursaries: Apply for additional support from county governments or private organizations.
Future Outlook: Higher Education in Kenya
The 2025 fee reduction is part of broader reforms to make higher education a driver of national development. The government plans to refine the funding model by September 2025, addressing implementation challenges and exploring private sector partnerships. The upcoming 2nd Biennial University Financing Conference (February 26–27, 2025) will discuss sustainable financing strategies under the theme “Navigating the New Era.”
Long-Term Goals
- Increase enrollment by reducing financial barriers.
- Enhance university infrastructure through public-private partnerships.
- Align academic programmes with national priorities like industrialization and technology.
- Strengthen research and innovation through increased funding.
The revised public university fee structure for 2025 marks a transformative step toward affordable and equitable higher education in Kenya. By lowering fees across 14 programme clusters and leveraging the Student-Centred Funding Model, the government is easing the financial burden on students while ensuring universities remain viable. Students and families must stay informed, apply for funding promptly, and engage with their institutions to navigate this new landscape. As Kenya continues to reform its higher education sector, these changes promise a brighter future for the next generation of leaders, innovators, and professionals.
