CS: Why state is dropping university funding model
The Kenyan government is abandoning its three-year-old student-centred university funding model, citing its failure to provide adequate financial support to students. Education CS Julius Ogamba stated that the system left many public universities insolvent and failed to reach the intended 80 per cent of students.
Why it matters
The overhaul of the funding model is critical for the financial stability of public universities and the accessibility of higher education for Kenyan students.
Education CS Julius Ogamba when he appeared before the National Cohesion, Equal Opportunity and Regional Integration Committee at Bunge Towers on July 23, 2026 /DOUGLAS OKIDDY
The government has defended its decision to abandon the controversial student-centred university funding model after just three years.
Education CS Julius Ogamba said the system failed to ensure all qualified students accessed higher education and left public universities facing a financial crisis.
He said the model, introduced in 2023, had fallen short of its objective of expanding access to university education.
Ogamba spoke when he appeared before the Senate’s National Cohesion and Equal Opportunities Committee.
He said the government found that only about 40 per cent of university students received financial support under the previous arrangement, far below the intended target.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in