CS Ogamba Issues Fresh Directive on University Funding Model for 1st Years

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has directed universities to help 2026/2027 students navigate the ongoing transition in the higher education funding framework.

Ogamba said 202,133 students have been placed in public universities this academic year, assuring first-year students that the changes to the funding system would not disrupt their studies.

Universities told to help students

Speaking during the University of Nairobi’s 75th graduation ceremony on Friday, September 18, Ogamba urged universities to guide students through the funding process.

“I also wish to call upon universities to assist students in navigating the funding process,” he said.

He warned that students should not lose access to higher education simply because they do not understand how to apply for financial support.

Also Read: HELB Clarifies Reports Claiming New Funding Formula Will Increase Loan Interest Rates

“We should not allow a student to miss an opportunity because they do not understand the application process,” Ogamba said.

The CS said the government was reviewing the financing framework as it seeks to ensure students are not locked out of higher education because of their financial circumstances.

Bill Proposes New Funding System

Ogamba said the Tertiary Placement and Funding Bill, which is currently undergoing public participation, proposes funding students placed in universities, KMTCs, TVETs and TTCs through a new authority.

“The bill that we’ve presented to Parliament, which is undergoing public participation as we speak, proposes that all students placed in our universities, from KMTCs to TVETs to TTCs and university students, will be fully funded through that authority,” he said.

The proposal follows President William Ruto’s July 21 announcement on plans for universal funding for students admitted to public universities and colleges.

Also Read: Ruto Promises Full Government Funding for All University and College Students

Ogamba, however, told the current cohort that the transition would not affect their studies.

“Our goal is simple: a student’s financial circumstances should not determine whether their talent gets an opportunity to flourish,” he said.

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Education CS Julius Ogamba during a meeting with the Ambassador of Germany to Kenya, H.E. Sebastian Groth, and the CEO of the Equity Group Holdings Ltd, Dr. James Mwangi, on August 25, 2026. PHOTO/ Ogamba X.