No State Scholarships for Private Varsity Students in New Funding Shake-Up.
The government has introduced a new funding policy that will see students placed in private universities miss out on State scholarships, marking a significant shift in how higher education is financed.
Under the revised model, the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service will continue placing qualified students in both public and private institutions. However, only those admitted to public universities will be eligible for government scholarships. Students joining private universities will instead rely on loans and personal or family support to fund their education.
The changes come at a time when university enrolment has grown rapidly, increasing from about 70,000 students in 2017 to over 250,000 in recent years. Education officials say the new approach is aimed at making funding more sustainable while ensuring resources are directed where they are most needed.
According to the University Fund, the policy is also intended to encourage students to make informed choices when selecting courses and institutions. Authorities argue that aligning funding with public universities will help streamline support and reduce pressure on limited government resources.
Despite the shift, placement in private universities remains part of the national admission process. Officials have clarified that students admitted through KUCCPS to private institutions will still access government-backed loans, but will no longer benefit from direct scholarship funding.
The move is expected to spark debate among stakeholders, particularly over concerns that it may limit access to higher education for students who cannot secure places in public universities. Critics warn that increased reliance on loans could place a heavier financial burden on learners and their families.
Even so, the government maintains that the reforms are necessary to manage rising enrolment numbers and ensure the long-term sustainability of university funding in the country.
