The Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) has issued a directive ordering higher education institutions to provide information on the cost of degree academic programmes in their respective institutions.
This came following President William Ruto’s announcement that the government will increase funding for universities and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions by Ksh.30.6 billion to Ksh.84.6 billion in the 2023/24 financial year. The directive requires institutions to adhere to the presidential decree by providing information on the cost of academic programmes without including accommodation and meals.
In a letter dated May 5, addressed to the vice-chancellors of universities and principals of constituent university colleges, KUCCPS CEO Dr. Agnes Mercy Wahome requested the institutions’ leaders to comply with the directive.
She also reiterated Education CS Ezekiel Machogu’s statement that students who qualify for public universities but opt to join private ones will not receive government scholarships but will only be eligible to apply for the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) loan.
According to Wahome, the information should be submitted to programmecosts@kuccps.ac.ke by May 9, 2023, using a duly filled Excel template attached with a scanned PDF and a forwarding letter addressed to the CEO, KUCCPS. Failure to comply with the directive may lead to dire consequences for institutions, including the loss of government funding and subsidies.
The move has been welcomed by many Kenyans who have for years complained of high tuition fees in private universities and colleges. The provision of such information will enable students to make informed decisions on where to pursue higher education based on the cost and quality of programmes offered by various institutions.
Ultimately, this move is expected to enhance transparency, accountability and equitable access to higher education in Kenya.