Relief for Struggling Parents as Ukambani Leaders Applaud Ruto’s University Fee Cut

By Andrew Mbuva

Even as confusion persists over the planned 15-40% university fee reduction set to take effect in September, Kenya Kwanza leaders from Ukambani have commended President William Ruto’s administration for what they termed as a “timely and humane intervention” in the face of growing economic hardship.

National UDA Secretary and Mwala MP Vincent Musyoka, Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse, and ODM nominated Senator Beth Syengo praised the government’s decision, saying it offers much-needed relief to thousands of families struggling to educate their children.

“This matter of school fees has been a thorn to many parents. Governance is a continuous process, and politics is a struggle for limited resources — it’s always a balancing act,” said Musyoka during a Boda Boda empowerment event in Kathiani, Machakos County.

“Through that balancing act, we have now seen the President help in reducing university fees. This is a very great step because education is an equalizer. If it were not for education, personally, I couldn’t have made it to sit at the same table with the President,” he added.

Musyoka also lauded the President for recognizing education as a constitutional right and stressed that its realization depends on affordability.

“We cannot guarantee and achieve that right if education is made expensive,” he said. “In 2027, people will remember that there was a president who reduced university fees — while others were busy politicking.”

His sentiments were echoed by Mwengi Mutuse, who noted that the move responds directly to the pleas of parents across the country.

“Our parents have been raising concerns over the high cost of university education, which has locked out many bright students from poor families. Now, with this move, students from humble backgrounds can attain education, which remains the greatest equalizer between the rich and the poor,” said Mutuse.

Senator Beth Syengo added that poverty in rural areas can only be tackled sustainably through affordable education.

“We thank the government for listening and taking action. Access to education is the first step in eradicating poverty from rural communities,” she said.

The Ministry of Education, through the State Department of Higher Education, is expected to release official fee guidelines next week to clarify implementation details. 

Meanwhile, institutions have already begun issuing their own revised fee structures ahead of the new academic semester starting September 1st, 2025.

In addition to addressing education costs, the leaders defended the government’s ongoing empowerment programs, including the Boda Boda initiative, as critical to supporting small and informal businesses. 

At least Ksh.2 million was raised during the Kathiani event to support 80 organized groups from the constituency.

“To those criticizing the empowerment programs, I say this — if you have better ideas, bring them forward. Don’t just sit and complain,” said Musyoka.