The government has announced a significant reduction in university fees for
all academic programmes in public institutions.
The new directive, which takes effect on September 1, 2025, applies to both
first-year and continuing students.
The move follows months of consultations with the public, students, and
higher education stakeholders.
The directive also marks a major shift under the new Student-Centred Funding
Model, which aims to make university education more affordable and accessible
while ensuring the sustainability of institutions.
“This bold step reaffirms our commitment to ensuring affordable, accessible,
and quality university education,” said Higher Education Principal Secretary, Beatrice
Inyangala in a letter to Vice Chancellors and Principals of Constituent
Colleges.
She added that the changes directly respond to concerns raised by students
and their families over the rising cost of education.
Public universities are now required to revise their admissions and finance
portals to reflect the new fee structure.
The government emphasized that the cost of education will continue to be met
through a combination of tuition fees, scholarships, and student loans,
depending on individual need.
The Ministry of Education further called on universities to implement the
new funding reforms efficiently and fairly.
“We count on your full cooperation to implement these financing reforms
efficiently, equitably, and in the best interest of Kenyan students and
families.”
The government also reiterated its vision to position higher education as a
key driver of national development, describing the changes as a landmark reform
in the education sector.
With the new policy in place, thousands of students are expected to benefit
from reduced financial pressure, making it easier for more Kenyans to pursue
university education.
Under the revised structure, Programmes like Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary
medicine, and Pharmacy will cost a minimum of Sh12, 343 and a maximum of Sh75,
000 per semester.
Architecture will cost Sh12, 960 and Sh57, 888.
Engineering, Surveying will cost between Sh14, 256 and Sh57, 024 per
semester.
Other courses including Built Environment and Design - Construction, Real
Estate, Urban and Regional Planning, Landscape Architecture, Design, Computing
Sh12, 960 – Sh51, 840.
Health Sciences, Nursing, Clinical Medicine (BSC.), Medical Medical
Laboratory Science and Technology Sh14, 400 – Sh57, 600
Animal Science, Radiography, Sport Science. Medical Psychology, Physical
therapy, Public Health, Environmental Health, Community Health and Development
Sh13,082 – Sh52,326.
Food Sciences, Food Science and Technology, Food and Nutrition Sh11, 401 –
Sh45, 603.
Agriculture, Natural Resource Management and the Natural Environment,
Wildlife Science and Management Sh9, 729 – Sh38, 880.
Applied Sciences and Education (Science and Technology) - 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 Sh11,628 – Sh46,512.
Basic Sciences Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Geography (B.Sc.)
Sh10, 659 – Sh42, 636.
Applied Social Sciences and the Arts (Professional) 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 will go for Sh9, 690 – Sh38,760.
Business, Education (Arts), Economics Sh7, 525 – Sh30, 101.
Applied Humanities and Social Sciences - Geography (B.A.), Public
Administration, Psychology, Music (B.A.), Peace and Security Studies, Disaster
Management, Anthropology, Languages, BA with Education, Language and
Communication, International Relations and Diplomacy, Social Work and
Development Studies Sh6, 982 – Sh27, 927.
Basic Humanities and Social Sciences - Economics, Geography (B.A.), History,
Philosophy, Religion, Sociology, Literature, Political Science, Linguistics
Sh5, 814 – Sh23, 256.
