Confusion over university fees as new students prepare to report

With just two weeks to go before universities reopen for the new academic year, thousands of students and parents are gripped by anxiety over fees, even as the government insists all is well.

The uncertainty follows a Ministry of Education announcement that fees for first-year students will range from Sh5,814 to Sh75,000 per semester, as part of efforts to lower the cost of higher education.

Although the fee directive was welcomed as a relief, many universities have yet to update their online portals to reflect the new rates, leaving incoming students unsure of the exact amounts payable during registration.

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba, in a circular dated 15 August, explained that student contributions would vary depending on the cost of the programme enrolled in and each student’s assessed financial need.

“Following the government directive to lower the cost of university programmes, the fees payable per semester will range from a minimum student contribution of Sh5,814 to a maximum of Sh75,000,” he added.

Despite these assurances, many families say they remain in the dark. For some, the lack of updated information on university portals has thrown preparations into disarray.

“I logged into my daughter’s university portal yesterday, and the figure showing is still Sh120,000, which was the old fee structure. Yet the ministry says it has been lowered. Which one do we pay?” asked Jane Njeri, a parent in Nakuru.

Her daughter, a first-year medical student, is expected to report to Moi University on September 2.

“We are preparing to travel, but I don’t know whether to carry the old amount, the new amount, or wait and risk late registration,” she added.

Brian Omondi, who has been admitted to Kenyatta University, said the uncertainty is demoralising.

“We were told HELB loans would help, but I still don’t know how much we are supposed to contribute. It’s stressful because reporting day is so close,” he said.

Many parents argue that while the government’s decision to slash fees is commendable, the lack of coordination between universities and the ministry is causing confusion.

“Parents need clear, timely communication,” said David Mwangi, whose son has been admitted to the University of Nairobi.

Others say they had already borrowed money or sold assets to raise the previously announced fees, only to be told that the amounts had changed.

“I sold two cows last month to raise Sh100,000, thinking that would cover my daughter’s first semester in engineering. Now they say it’s less, but we don’t know the exact figure,” said Esther Khamala, a farmer in Kakamega.

The Ministry of Education has defended its position, urging universities to update their systems.

Ogamba acknowledged the delays but insisted that the reforms would ultimately ease the financial burden on families.

“We are aware of the anxiety among parents and students. Universities are in the process of aligning their systems with the Student-Centred Funding Model. No student will miss out on education because of these delays,” he said.

HELB officials also urged patience, noting that funds had already been disbursed and would be reflected in the system before students report.

“Universities are expected to reconcile their fee structures accordingly,” said HELB Chief Executive Officer Geofrey Monari.

Stakeholders warn that the confusion could erode confidence in the government’s new funding model if not addressed urgently.

“Without clear communication, students risk delayed admissions, which could disrupt the academic calendar,” noted Margaret Chege, a higher education policy expert.

Former University of Nairobi Students Association (UNSA) chairperson Rocha Madzao said the ministry should convene a meeting with vice-chancellors to iron out the discrepancies.

“Students are stranded, parents are confused, and universities are silent. We demand an immediate resolution before reporting day,” Madzao said.