University fees are likely to go up after Education Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohammed asked the National Assembly Committee on Education and Budget for recommendations on the same.
Her action came after vice chancellors proposed a school fees increment of Ksh32,000 to Ksh48,000 claiming that the cost of training had gone up.
They pleaded to the legislators that the formula developed in 1989, that set the amount at Ksh16,000 is no longer sustainable.
The university dons stated that they were aware of the consequences but noted that it must be done.
"We know there will be a strike but they will come back and pay. We are prepared if MPs support us," stated Daniel Mugendi, Embu University VC.
"The government should consider either increasing fees to account for the rise in the cost of learning or adjust its contribution to provide for the increase in the cost of training," reads the proposal.
The meeting was attended by university education stakeholders including Chairman of the Commission for University Education Chacha Nyaogotti and Chief Executive Mwenda Ntaragwi.
Representatives from HELB, Kenya Universities Funding Board, and University Colleges Central Placement Service were also present.
Secondary school heads have also proposed a hike in fees to cushion them from harsh economic times.
They claim that the rise in taxation, high water and electricity bills and the rising basic minimum wage for support staff have affected the schools’ operations.
