More than 3,000 first-year students have reported to Machakos University as institutions await government guidance on how tuition and other charges will be handled under the new university funding system.
Machakos University has received more than 3,000 first-year students as the 2026/27 academic year begins.
The new students started reporting to the university on Monday, August 24, for registration and orientation.
However, questions remain over the fee arrangements for the new cohort as universities await further guidance on the proposed changes to higher-education funding.
More than 3,000 students report
Education News reports that more than 3,000 first-year students have already reported to Machakos University.
The university is continuing with the admission and registration process as students settle into the new academic year.
Machakos University also confirmed the start of the new intake on August 24 through its official communication.
The university is receiving students as the government works on changes to the way higher education will receive and distribute funding.
Fee arrangements remain unclear
The uncertainty has left students and parents waiting for clearer information on the financial arrangements for the new academic year.
According to Education News, Machakos University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Joyce Agalo said the institution was awaiting further communication on the applicable fee arrangements.
The university has, however, continued collecting hostel payments from students.
For families, the issue remains important because students need to understand their financial obligations before they settle into their programmes.
Proposed funding changes
The uncertainty comes as the government seeks to change the way tertiary education receives and administers student funding.
The proposed Tertiary Education, Placement and Funding Bill, 2026 is currently before Parliament.
The Bill seeks to establish a new framework for tertiary education placement and funding.
However, the proposed changes have not yet become law. Parliament is still considering the legislation and seeking public views on the proposed framework.
Therefore, students should rely on official communication from their universities and government agencies for confirmed information about their fees and funding.
What students should know
For now, Machakos University continues to register and orient the new first-year cohort.
Students should also avoid relying on unverified fee figures circulating online.
Instead, they should check official communication from Machakos University and the relevant government agencies before making decisions based on their expected fees or funding.
As the 2026/27 academic year gets underway, further government guidance is expected to clarify how the proposed funding arrangements will affect students joining universities this year.
Sources: Machakos University; Education News; Kenyans.co.ke; Parliament of Kenya.
