Former Chief Justice David Maraga has strongly criticized the government’s new university funding model, warning that it risks pushing thousands of students out of higher education. Speaking during a press briefing on Sunday, July 3, Maraga expressed concern that the model was introduced without a well-thought-out strategy and is likely to worsen the already struggling education sector.
The new funding model, unveiled by President William Ruto in 2023, replaced the Differentiated Unit Cost (DUC) system. It channels funding directly to students based on financial need, determined through a Means Testing Instrument (MTI). The MTI assesses factors such as household income, location, dependency ratios, disabilities, and the student’s course of study.
However, Maraga argued that the model has instead placed an undue financial burden on students, warning that the system, if not reviewed, could result in mass student dropouts. “What is happening is very interesting, because why did they change it in the first place? If you want to introduce a new model, you need to think it out clearly and make sure that the system you are introducing will work for the people,” he said.
He cautioned that some students have already missed classes and may end up dropping out entirely. “Some of the young people who have missed class are going to lose several years, and some are even going to drop out,” he added.
In a recent response to growing concerns, Higher Education Principal Secretary Beatrice Muganda Inyangala announced a reduction in public university tuition fees under the student-centred model. Effective September 1, 2025, the revised fees will apply to both new and continuing students.
For instance, students studying clinical medicine and dentistry will now pay between Ksh22,371 and Ksh75,000 per semester, while those in architecture and engineering will pay between Ksh12,960 and Ksh57,888. The government has directed universities to implement these changes swiftly to ensure no student is left behind due to financial hardship.
Despite the adjustments, Maraga insists a full review of the funding policy is necessary to protect access to higher education and uphold equity.
