Members of the National Assembly Committee on Education have called on universities to adopt innovative and sustainable financing models to address the mounting financial challenges in higher education. The call was made during the 2nd Biennial Universities Funding Conference, where legislators emphasized the growing need for alternative sources of funding beyond government allocations and student tuition fees.
Speaking at the event, Hon. Clive Gisairo, a member of the Committee, noted the significant financial transformations currently shaping Kenya’s higher education sector. “It is a great privilege to address this distinguished gathering at a time when Kenya’s higher education sector is experiencing significant financial challenges," he said. "We must explore innovative solutions to meet the increasing demand for quality education."
The conference, which was attended by university vice-chancellors, officials from the Ministry of Education, the State Department for Higher Education, and private sector stakeholders, focused on finding sustainable funding models to support the sector. Legislators urged universities to explore partnerships with the private sector to support infrastructure, research, and scholarship programs. Hon. Gisairo emphasized that public-private partnerships (PPPs) and university endowment funds could play a pivotal role in providing long-term financial stability.
“The private sector must be engaged more actively in supporting education,” Hon. Gisairo added. “These partnerships can support research initiatives, enhance scholarship programs, and improve university infrastructure.”
Another key topic discussed at the conference was the government’s student-centered funding model, which was introduced in May 2023. This model, designed to provide scholarships ranging from 30% to 70% based on students’ financial need, faced legal challenges when the High Court declared it unconstitutional in December 2024.
Despite these challenges, university leaders and policymakers at the conference were determined to continue exploring ways to secure funding for students and institutions alike. Dr. Beatrice Inyangala, the Principal Secretary for the State Department for Higher Education and Research, officially opened the conference, underscoring the government's commitment to addressing the financial pressures on the higher education sector.
Other notable attendees included Hon. Christine Ombaka, Hon. Prof. Phylis Bartoo, Hon. Peter Orero, Hon. Julius Taitumu, and Hon. Jerusha Momanyi, all of whom contributed to the discussions on the future of funding for universities.
As Kenya’s higher education sector faces increasing costs and a growing demand for quality education, lawmakers and university leaders agree that creative and sustainable funding solutions will be crucial to ensuring the long-term viability of the sector.
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