Orientation of new KIU students of August Intake 2025 at the Main Campus, September 3, 2025. /KIU/XKampala International University has issued a statement addressing concerns about tuition payment policies following reports from some students of perceived unfair surcharges and penalties.
The university, one of the top private institutions in the region, emphasised its commitment to maintaining “an inclusive, transparent, responsive and conducive learning and work environment that upholds both academic excellence and institutional sustainability.”
KIU is a popular choice among Kenyan students, particularly because it offers a Higher Education Certificate (HEC) program, which is equivalent to an A-level certificate.
This has made the university a preferred destination for students seeking foundational knowledge to continue their university education at home or abroad.
The statement comes after complaints from students, not necessarily Kenyans, who argued that late payment penalties were applied unfairly.
“When I visited every office, why didn't you halt the recurrence of my surcharges when they had just begun? I was only notified when it was only 300,000 [Uganda shillings]. I cleared my original tuition, but the Sh300,000 started going high,” one student complained.
Another shared the impact of unforeseen personal circumstances: “My sister applied for that bursary, paid 1m UGX. Shortly after that, we lost our dad, and now she has no one to fund her education. She didn’t join. We’ve asked for a refund, but are always pushed away.”
While acknowledging these concerns, KIU clarified that surcharges and late payment penalties are part of the university’s financial policy, designed to encourage compliance with payment timelines.
However, the institution stressed that such policies are applied “with fairness, empathy, and accountability,” and urged students and sponsors facing genuine financial difficulties to engage the Directorate of Finance, the Dean of Students, or their respective College or School Administrators for guidance and possible flexible arrangements.
The university also highlighted its transparent bursary system, which “takes into consideration the needy students spread across the country, with slots allocated fairly to all districts.”
Additionally, KIU reaffirmed that it has clear procedures for handling complaints related to admissions, registration, tuition, bursaries, teaching and learning, assessment, students’ marks and graduation.
Some students have welcomed the statement, describing it as timely and addressing key issues.
“This statement is coming at the right time, and it’s addressing the core issue. Thank you,” one student commented.
Management reassured stakeholders that it takes pride in upholding “high ethical and professional standards, fostering an environment of fairness, respect and non-discrimination across all its operations.”
KIU said it continues to strengthen collaboration between students, staff and management to promote “shared responsibility and mutual trust,” while maintaining the integrity of academic systems, examinations and grading processes.
The university concluded by encouraging any student, parent, or stakeholder with genuine concerns to visit the customer care desk for assistance.
It affirmed its commitment to “driving innovations, promoting excellence and transforming lives through quality education and a conducive work environment.”
