Kenya’s President William Ruto announced a sweeping shift to universal state funding for higher education, stating that all students admitted to public universities and colleges who pass national exams and secure placement will have their tuition fully funded starting September 2026. The plan replaces the previous Means Testing Instrument and the tiered banding system, moving toward an on-budget, tuition-free model funded by the Exchequer, with parents allowed to contribute voluntarily if they choose. Ruto argued the universal model would ensure that financial background does not bar qualified students from higher education, while acknowledging the need for Parliament to pass enabling legislation and for the government to recalibrate budget estimates to absorb the expanded cost. Critics and economists have cautioned that the shift will require strong fiscal discipline amid budget deficits and the broader costs of expanding university capacity, possibly necessitating higher per-student funding and infrastructure investments. The announcements were made in multiple statements at State House and through various government briefings, signaling a long-term reform of Kenya’s higher education financing landscape. The policy marks a dramatic departure from earlier funding approaches, signaling the government’s intent to widen access and reduce financial barriers for future generations.