Education Cabinet Secretary (CS) Ezekiel Machogu on Wednesday, March 1, dismissed reports that the government had increased university school fees.
Speaking during Kabianga University's 10th Anniversary celebrations, Machogu clarified that the fees increment from the current Ksh16,000 to Ksh52,000 was just a proposal.
He intimated that the proposals were made during a Vice Chancellors' conference in Mombasa but the government was yet to give the way forward.
"The government has not increased university fees. All we did during the conference was that people were giving their views and I can confirm that we have not made a final decision," Machogu clarified.
He further dismissed claims that the state would reduce funding for students who scored C+ and above in the 2022 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE).
The Education boss maintained that the government would continue funding the students as it always had. He also addressed concerns over the privatisation of public universities.
"The government has never contemplated it because we are aware of the very important role that education plays in the socio-economic transformation of the country," he stated.
Machogu further allayed fears by parents concerning the fate of Grade Seven students who joined junior secondary schools in February.
He assured that President William Ruto's administration had equipped schools with teachers, equipment, learning materials and funds in terms of capitation to facilitate a smooth transition.
The CS made the comments after reading President Ruto's speech. The Head of State acknowledged the financial struggles Kenyan public universities were going through and vowed to address them.
Machogu's clarification came days after reports of the government increasing tuition fees went viral. The allegations caused an uproar among lawmakers as well as Kenyans.
Members of the public accused the Ruto administration of attempting to make education a preserve for the wealthy.
