MPs Call on Kenyans to Contribute to New Tertiary Education Funding and Placement Laws
Kenyans are invited to weigh in on bills that could transform student placement, funding, and curriculum development in tertiary education.
By John Mtongoi Newsroom
August 22, 2026
2 min read
The National Assembly's Departmental Committee on Education has opened a public consultation on two key legislative proposals aimed at reforming Kenya's tertiary education sector.
Key Bills Under Review
- Tertiary Education, Placement and Funding Bill, 2026: This bill proposes the creation of a unified legal framework to govern student placement and financial support across universities and TVET institutions. Central to the bill is the establishment of the Tertiary Education Funding Authority (TEFA), which would consolidate the roles of HELB, the Universities Fund, and the TVET Funding Board.
- Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (Amendment) Bill, 2026: This bill seeks to revise KICD's mandate and governance, including replacing the Director position with a Chief Executive Officer and enhancing the institute’s role in curriculum quality assurance and value-based education.
Transforming Student Placement and Financing
The proposed framework separates student placement from funding, ensuring admissions are merit-based while financial aid is managed independently. It aims to provide comprehensive funding options—loans, scholarships, and grants—tailored to students' financial backgrounds, special needs, and affirmative action criteria.
These reforms come as President William Ruto's administration pledges full government funding for students admitted to public tertiary institutions. Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has highlighted these changes as a response to persistent funding challenges and to widen access to higher education.
Addressing Funding Challenges
Kenya's higher education institutions have faced growing financial pressures, accumulating significant debts. Previous funding models have not fully addressed these issues, prompting the government to seek a more sustainable approach that supports universal transition from secondary to tertiary education.
Public Participation Invited
In line with constitutional requirements, MPs encourage the public, stakeholders, and education advocates to review the bills available on Parliament's website and submit their views. This input will be crucial as the proposals move through the legislative process, potentially affecting millions of students across Kenya.
