Govt caps university fees at Sh75,000 in education reforms
Education
By
Mike Kihaki
| Aug 10, 2025
Higher Education Principal Secretary Beatrice Inyangala said no university student will pay more than Sh75,000 per year under the new fee structure.
The PS noted that universities will now charge fees ranging between Sh6,000 and Sh75,000, and an average of Sh30,000.
Speaking at the Kenya Music Festival in Meru, Inyangala announced sweeping reforms aimed at making university education more affordable while positioning the creative economy as a viable career path for young Kenyans.
“In the spirit of not leaving anyone behind, we have reduced university fees. The government cares. We want to walk with you to nurture your talents from the social sciences and arts, to STEM and the creative disciplines that have brought us here today,” she said.
She explained that the move directly responds to concerns raised by young people during nationwide consultations conducted by the National Working Committee formed by President William Ruto last year.
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“It proves that when youth engage constructively, they can co-create solutions with the government,” she said.
Inyangala further added that events like the drama and music festival offer a perfect platform for such engagement.
She praised the creativity and cultural pride of young performers, describing them as “a generation fearless in creativity, bold in expression, and deeply connected to culture.”
“Music and performance can tell the story of climate change in a way data alone cannot. They can speak against gender-based violence more powerfully than policy documents, and call us to unity when the nation feels under strain,” she said.
The PS urged young people to take advantage of opportunities in the creative economy, pointing out that while the formal job market has limited capacity, the creative sector offers unlimited potential.
“Every year, universities graduate thousands of young people. The creative economy is an open stage that can take all of you. Together, we can design pathways from this stage to professional careers,” she said.
Inyangala linked this vision to the Competency-Based Education (CBE) system, which she said aligns perfectly with the values of the Kenya Music Festival.
The curriculum encourages learners from early years to identify and develop talents in drama, music, visual arts, and writing and prepares them for careers in creative industries.
“CBE recognises that not every learner will excel in traditional academic subjects. Our role in higher education is to take that fact and turn it into a full flourish, equipping students with both creative and entrepreneurial skills needed to drive the 21st-century economy,” she said.
She also pointed out the reformed higher education funding model, which allocates scholarships and loans based on students’ financial need.