Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has raised alarms about the financial stability of 23 public universities, warning that their insolvency could jeopardize the future of thousands of students.
Speaking before the National Assembly Committee on Education on Wednesday, March 19, Ogamba reealed that the financial crisis affecting Kenya’s public universities has worsened over the years.
He attributed the dire situation to chronic underfunding, particularly for government-sponsored students, emphasizing the urgent need for intervention to prevent further deterioration.
Ogamba’s revelation indicates that the universities’ financial responsibilities including debts, operational expenses, and commitments surpass their available resources, assets, and incoming revenue. In simple terms, they may not have enough funds to cover their obligations.
The universities are struggling financially, limiting their capacity to provide adequate services to students. This financial strain has led to delays in staff salaries, sparking strikes that often result in student protests.
Consequently, students lose significant class time due to these prolonged disruptions.
CS Ogamba appeared before the National Assembly Committee to address questions on the governance and financial issues facing public universities, with a focus on the University of Nairobi (UoN) and the Technical University of Kenya (TUK).
The committee expressed concerns about mismanagement, unpaid bills, staff welfare, and leadership disputes within public universities.
Particular attention was given to the significant debts at the University of Nairobi (UoN) and the Technical University of Kenya (TUK). UoN reportedly owes Ksh13.58 billion, including Ksh4 billion in historical arrears, while TUK has accumulated a debt of Ksh12.99 billion.
The committee also questioned the persistent financial mismanagement in these institutions. Acknowledging the gravity of the situation, especially given the crucial role universities play in education and research, CS Ogamba assured the committee that the Ministry is actively working to find solutions.
In its presentation to the committee, the Ministry highlighted measures to tackle governance challenges, including a 2025-2026 Transformation Strategy. This strategy aims to strengthen university leadership, boost financial stability, and improve resource mobilization.
These efforts come amid reports of severe financial difficulties. The Technical University of Kenya (TUK) recently announced plans to lay off at least 559 employees due to its economic struggles. Similarly, an article by the Nation reported that Moi University has already let go of over 300 staff members because of a cash crisis.
