University Fees Set to Increase from Ksh.16K to Ksh.52K per Semester

The presidential working party on education reforms has recommended an increase in university fees.

The taskforce, which presented its report to President William Ruto last week  proposed an increase in the fees paid by government-sponsored students in Kenyan universities from current Ksh.16, 000 to Ksh.52, 000 per semester. 

At the same time, the team also wants the government to increase funding of university education.

The report recommends writing off of all the  huge debts owed by universities to statutory bodies, which currently stands at Ksh.56.13 billion.

The debts  include PAYE, pension, NHIF, NSSF deductions amongst others.

Additionally, the report says that while the president should still be the appointing authority for chancellors, the input of the Cabinet Secretary for Education and the university’s Senate should be sought.

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It also wants the government to aim at increasing the enrollment of students in teachers training colleges that currently stands at a meagre 14.7%, or 3,922 students in 34 institutions, which have a capacity of 26,650 students. 

The team is also calling, for the expansion of the space for Technical and Vocational Training by establishing such institutes across the country.

Having a National Polytechnic in every county, Technical Vocational College in every constituency and a Vocational Training Centre in each ward  are among the proposals by the team.