Revealed: Why Universities Are Charging Different Fees for Similar Courses
In September, public universities in Kenya will have the authority to determine the tuition fees for their degree programs as part of a new funding formula introduced by the government.
This shift aims to enhance the efficiency of these institutions. Dr. Mercy Wahome, the CEO of the Kenya University and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS), explains that the cost of education varies among universities due to factors such as living expenses in different locations, the number of students, and faculty requirements.
Programs with higher student enrollment tend to be more cost-effective because expenses are distributed among a larger group.
Previously, the University Fund board decided tuition costs using the Differentiated Unit Cost (DUC) model. However, Dr. Wahome argues that DUC isn’t sustainable, especially for programs with low enrollment but excessive faculty. This change may lead universities to reevaluate their programs, potentially resulting in the closure of some courses.
Dr. Wahome cites Kisii University as an example where lower fees attracted a significant number of students. Emphasizing the importance of university independence in setting fees, Geoffrey Monari, the CEO of University Fund, states that autonomy will enable universities to plan effectively to support their operations.
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Under the new funding model, degree programs like Medicine, Dental Surgery, Pharmacy, and Engineering, traditionally favored by high-performing students, will be among the most expensive.
The first-year fees for Medicine students will vary by university, with some paying as much as Sh600,000, while more affordable options exist. Similarly, tuition costs for Dental Surgery, Architecture, Pharmacy, and Engineering programs will vary across institutions.
The new funding model also affects private universities, as students attending them will not be eligible for government scholarships. The cost of education varies widely, depending on the chosen program and the university attended, with fees ranging from Sh130,000 to Sh367,000 for different courses.
Revealed: Why Universities Are Charging Different Fees for Similar Courses
