Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS), on Saturday, May 6, issued a demand to all Vice Chancellors over the cost of education in their universities.
KUCCPS stated that universities had until May 9 to declare the cost of each degree programme for 2022 KCSE candidates who were yet to be admitted for their higher education.
Speaking over the matter, Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service Chief Executive Officer Dr Agnes Mercy Wahome stated that the declaration will be key in providing an advisory to students.
While meeting President William Ruto on Wednesday, May 3, Dr Wahome stated that KCSE 2022 candidates would soon be informed on school fees required for different courses.
"We believe that universities will soon publish the cost of the course they are offering so that our students may begin planning for their education," Dr Wahome stated.
She explained that the cost of university fees in Kenya varies depending on the university and the program of study. Generally, public universities in Kenya charge lower tuition fees than private ones.
Higher Education PS, Beatrice Inyangala, added that the publication of the charges will allow Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) to post the courses on their website.
‘‘In reference to the statement by the President during the unveiling of the new University Funding Model, universities will therefore be required to declare and publicise the actual cost of their programmes,’’ Dr Inyangala stated.
As of 2022, the average annual tuition fees for undergraduate programs in Kenyan public universities range from Ksh50,000 to Ksh150,000 for Kenyan citizens, and from Ksh200,000 to Ksh400,000 for international students.
Private universities, on the other hand, charge higher tuition fees, with an average range of Ksh300,000 to Ksh600,000 per year.
Apart from tuition fees, students must also pay other fees such as registration, examination, accommodation, and other miscellaneous expenses.
The cost of living in different parts of Kenya can also vary significantly, with students in urban areas typically facing higher costs for accommodation, food, and transportation.
To help students cover the cost of university fees, the Kenyan government provides various financial aid options, including loans, bursaries, and scholarships.
Some universities also offer financial aid programs to support students who may be unable to afford the full cost of tuition.
University fees in Kenya are relatively affordable compared to other countries. With financial aid options, many students can access higher education opportunities.
On Wednesday, May 3, President William Ruto unveiled a new university funding model that will majorly target students from poor families.
Ruto explained that the new model will be student-centred, and the funds will be channeled through scholarships and loans that will be facilitated by government agencies.
"This new funding model does not increase university fees. Under the new model, we are increasing the university allocation in the new financial year from Ksh54 billion to Ksh84.6 billion.
"Universities and TVETS will no longer receive block funding in the form of capitation based on a differentiated unit cost. Funding to students shall combine scholarships, loans and household contributions on a graduated scale," he stated.
