Government Releases KSh4.2 Billion for University Scholarships
On June 26, 2026, the Universities Fund officially released Ksh4.2 billion in university scholarships to benefit over 400,000 continuing undergraduate students.
Specifically, the disbursement falls under the Student-Centred Funding Model. Furthermore, this latest release brings the total National Treasury scholarship allocation to Ksh18.4 billion for the 2025/2026 financial year.
Who Benefits and How
The funding targets specific student cohorts. Specifically, the scholarships cover tuition fees for continuing undergraduate students who joined public universities in 2023, 2024 and 2025.
Furthermore, the Universities Fund dispatches payments directly to public universities on behalf of the beneficiaries. Therefore, students benefit from seamless registration and uninterrupted learning without personally handling the funds.
The Bigger Picture of the Funding Model
This disbursement reflects a broader shift in how Kenya funds higher education. Specifically, since its inception in 2023, the equity-based Student-Centred Funding Model has deployed over Ksh37 billion to fund higher education across the country.
Furthermore, the pioneer student cohort under this model is scheduled to graduate next year, marking a significant milestone for the programme.
What Comes Next for New Students
Universities Fund Acting CEO Dr. Edwin Wanyonyi confirmed an important upcoming deadline. Specifically, the Higher Education Financing Portal will open soon for the 2025 KCSE cohort.
Furthermore, newly admitted students must apply through the HEF Portal for both Universities Fund scholarships and HELB loans. Therefore, early application through the portal will help minimise personal household costs for incoming university students.
