‘I’m not mad’ - President Ruto insists free university education plan achievable

President William Ruto has defended the government’s proposal to fully fund university and college education, insisting that every student admitted to a university or TVET institution will have access to financial support despite growing concerns over how the programme will be financed.

Speaking on Thursday during a meeting with Nairobi County artisans at State House, Ruto urged those in doubt to trust the government’s plan, saying his administration has already delivered on other promises, including the construction of affordable housing, markets and student hostels.

He compared the proposal to the introduction of free primary education during former President Mwai Kibaki’s administration, saying it was initially criticised but later implemented.

“You remember when Kenya’s third President, Mwai Kibaki, said there would be free primary education, people mocked him and said it was impossible. I am telling you today that all university students and those joining tertiary institutions going forward will have a funding model from the Government of Kenya that ensures all these students receive money for their education,” Ruto said.

“No Kenyan child will miss the opportunity to study because of a lack of money. And I’m not mad, I’m not drunk, and I’m not foolish; I know what I am saying. I am an expert in this matter.”

He emphasised that education is a key to creating equality in the country. Ruto maintained that the government had increased investment in the sector to ensure all children have access to learning opportunities.

“Education is what brings us equality. That is why we have invested a lot of money in education. Since 2022, I have increased the amount of money allocated to education from Sh500 billion, and this year it has reached Sh780 billion to ensure all our children go to school,” he said.

He added that the government has also transformed the higher education sector through the funding model introduced in 2023. He argued that before then, universities previously faced financial difficulties, with some struggling to meet their obligations, including paying lecturers, suppliers and other expenses.

Ruto said the funding model had helped address challenges affecting universities and improved the management of higher education financing.

He insisted that the government is now taking the funding model a step further through the proposed legal changes that would guarantee free financial support for students placed in universities and TVET institutions.

“That is why I have said there is a Higher Education Loans Board Amendment Bill before Parliament, which will enable us to ensure that every Kenyan child who has been placed in a TVET institution or university will have funding to support their education,” he said.

Despite his assurances, the proposal has faced questions from stakeholders over its cost, sustainability and implementation plan.

Former Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo questioned how the government would finance universal higher education, arguing that Kenyans needed clarity before the programme is introduced.

“The promise that university will now be free for all sounds like progress, but when it comes months to an election, after years of complaints about a broken funding model, Kenyans are entitled to ask, is this policy or politics?” she said.

Odhiambo said the government should provide financial projections and explain how the programme would be implemented without affecting other public services.

She also questioned how the State would sustain full funding for all students when public universities have faced financial challenges, and many learners have struggled to access adequate loans and scholarships.

The proposal is expected to overhaul the current higher education funding system by merging the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB), Universities Fund and Technical and Vocational Education and Training Fund Board into a single Tertiary Education Funding Authority.

According to Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba, the proposed authority would coordinate funding for university, college and TVET students, covering tuition, accommodation and living expenses.

But the proposal comes as HELB continues to face funding challenges. Documents presented to the National Assembly Committee on Education show the board requires Sh114.36 billion to support 1,199,423 students in the current financial year but has been allocated Sh56.71 billion, leaving a shortfall of Sh57.65 billion.

HELB said the gap between student financing needs and available budget allocations remains a major challenge affecting its mandate.

The Board noted that the student-centred funding model introduced in 2023 increased the number of learners receiving government support from 576,338 to 823,691 in the 2025/26 financial year.

Parents and students have, however, continued to raise concerns over the current funding model, saying it has affected their ability to pursue preferred courses.

The government now intends to replace the system with a new model once the proposed legislation is approved by Parliament.