Kenya: Ruto Abandons Means-Tested Model, Proposes Universal University Funding

What the report says

Capital FM, in a report distributed by AllAfrica, says Kenyan President William Ruto has proposed a shift to universal state support for students admitted to universities and colleges, a reversal of the means-tested higher education financing system introduced in 2023. Ruto announced the plan at State House in Nairobi on 21 July 2026 during the launch of a report on Kenya’s development agenda beyond Vision 2030. He said amendments had been sent to Parliament and asked lawmakers to move quickly before universities reopen in September.

Under the proposed framework, government funding would be available to all qualifying students placed in higher education institutions, rather than being allocated according to family income bands. The existing model has combined scholarships, loans and household contributions, but Ruto acknowledged it had not met expectations and said universities had been strained when promised support fell short. He also said some students who qualified for high-cost courses such as medicine or engineering had been unable to pursue them because their families could not meet required contributions.

The proposal matters because it would substantially alter how Kenya pays for university and college education, potentially expanding access while raising questions about affordability and implementation. The current banding approach has faced criticism from students, institutions and legal challenges over fairness and sustainability.

Capital FM also reported that Ruto linked the education changes to Kenya’s longer-term economic planning. He said the government would review the newly launched post-Vision 2030 report and hold consultations with universities, counties, businesses, professional bodies, religious groups and communities. He also called for the next national development blueprint to be protected in law to reduce disruption after changes in government.