Kenyan Papers: Relief as Universities Slash Fees by 70%

New University Fee Structure in Kenya

On Friday, September 5, Kenyan newspapers covered various developments across the country, with a significant focus on the new fee structure introduced in universities. The dailies also discussed the 2027 presidential campaigns, highlighting the shifting dynamics among political figures.

The Star: University Fees Reduced

Following a reduction in tuition fees under President William Ruto's administration, public universities have implemented a new fee structure. This change came after months of public outcry over unsustainable university fees. A government directive issued in July led to these revisions, which were put into effect on Monday, September 1, coinciding with the start of the new academic year.

Several universities, including the University of Nairobi, Moi, Egerton, and Maseno, have released the updated fee structure, marking a 25-year low. Other institutions such as Masinde Muliro University, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, University of Eldoret, and Kenyatta University are also part of this initiative.

Moi University significantly reduced fees for government-sponsored students by more than 70%. For example, students in the School of Education now pay KSh 8,000 per semester, down from KSh 33,750. At Maseno University, students enrolled in the bachelor of arts in Criminology with IT program now pay KSh 14,000 per semester, a more than 50% decrease from the previous payment of over KSh 30,000.

The University of Nairobi has also lowered fees for first-year students, who now pay KSh 17,538 per semester instead of KSh 46,520 for courses like journalism and data science. Accommodation fees have also been reduced from KSh 56,000 to KSh 20,000 annually.

Self-sponsored students at Jaramogi Oginga University, who are taking business administration, have also seen their fees drop from KSh 65,000 to KSh 30,000 per semester.

Daily Nation: Governor Sakaja Faces Internal Challenges

Following a ceasefire between Nairobi governor Johnson Sakaja and Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) mediated by President William Ruto on Wednesday, September 3, two of the county boss’s assistants were dismissed, and a third was reassigned to another docket. The sacking was among the conditions set by MCAs to avoid impeaching the governor.

Several sources reported that the closed-door meeting, which lasted from 3pm to 10pm, involved contentious discussions, accusations, and breaks to calm tensions. The ward representatives demanded that Sakaja fire his political adviser, Osman Khalif Abdi, chief of staff David Njoroge, finance chief officer Asha Abdi, and housing chief officer Lydia Mathia.

While Sakaja refused to sack Njoroge, he agreed to a compromise: Abdi would be transferred to a different docket, and Khalif and Mathia were sacked.

People Daily: Political Analysts React to Matiang'i's Strategy

Political analysts are divided following the 2027 presidential aspirant, Fred Matiang'i, reportedly toning down his attacks on Ruto. Some claim that Matiang'i is Ruto's project, while others disagree, arguing that he is avoiding confrontational politics.

Kenyatta University lecturer Kaburu Kinoti noted that the former Interior CS's critics who claimed he is the president's project could have valid reasons. Kinoti said Matiang'i's failure to ride on 'wantam' slogans could hamper his aspirations. "He tries to appeal to logic instead of emotions. Politics does not appeal to the brain but to the heart," he stated.

UoN don Richard Bosire described Matiang'i as a cautious operator with problem-solving skills. "Matiang'i cannot be Ruto's project. If he takes over, the president's goose is cooked," he opined.

The Standard: Conditions for Nairobi Governor

Nairobi MCAs issued several conditions to Sakaja, which he must implement within 60 days to prevent being kicked out of office. These include addressing the stinking rubbish problem, poorly maintained city roadways, and unclogged drainage. The MCAs also demanded that the governor halt evictions and guarantee that bursaries are disbursed within a month.

The ward reps threatened to kick him out if he fails to meet the conditions.

Taifa Leo: Voter Registration Initiatives

In an effort to register an additional 5.7 million new voters, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has launched several initiatives aimed at reviving continuous voter registration. The 2027 presidential election is anticipated to be significantly impacted by this process, which is scheduled to start on September 29.

This is because the outcome could be influenced by the additional new voters, who are mainly young people. Voter registration was suspended after the Wafula Chebukati-led team left in January 2023. According to IEBC, there are 22.1 million voters on the current register.