President William Ruto has reaffirmed that university, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), and Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) education will be free for Kenyan students beginning January 2027.
Speaking to a massive crowd during his development tour stop in Kabati, Kitui County, Ruto stated: “From January next year 2027, all our UNIVERSITY, TVET and KMTC will be FREE.”
The announcement came amid a packed public address as the President continued his multi-day Ukambani tour focused on roads, affordable housing, student hostels, electricity, and education infrastructure.
This builds on earlier commitments. In July 2026, Ruto first pledged full government funding for all students who qualify for placement in universities, colleges, TVETs, and KMTC. He later shifted the expected start from September 2026 to the next semester (around January 2027), citing the need for Parliament to finalize supporting legislation, including amendments tied to higher education funding and the Tertiary Placement and Funding framework.
Under the plan, no student admitted to these institutions is expected to be sent home over unpaid fees, with the government covering the cost (parents may still contribute voluntarily if they choose). The move aims to remove financial barriers so that academic qualification, rather than family income, determines access.
During the same broader Kitui/Ukambani engagements, Ruto has also highlighted related investments, including student hostels for thousands of learners and expansions of the National Internship Programme (an additional 50,000 paid places from January 2027 for graduates of universities, TVETs, and KMTC).
Implementation remains subject to the completion of the required parliamentary process. The statement has drawn both support and skepticism online, with some questioning delivery timelines given previous adjustments to the rollout date. #WilliamRuto