Even as questions linger over the 15-40% university fee reduction set to take effect next month, Kenya Kwanza lawmakers from Ukambani praised President William Ruto’s administration for its humane response to economic hardships faced by parents.

National UDA Secretary and Mwala MP Vincent Musyoka, Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse, and ODM Nominated senator Beth Syengo emphasized that the free reduction was long overdue and will help students from poor families access education.

Musyoka described the move as a significant victory for education stakeholders who have voiced concerns over high costs in public institutions through the presidential working party on education.

While describing education as the greatest equalizer, Mwengi Mutuse said this move was a reprieve for poor parents who have been struggling to keep their sons and daughters in school.

Senator Syengo said poverty eradication from rural communities could only be won through making education affordable, thanking the government for consideration.

The Ministry of Education, through the State Department of Higher Education, plans to release clear fee guidelines next week to dispel existing confusion. 

Meanwhile, institutions have already announced their fee structures for the upcoming academic semester starting September 1st, 2025.

Speaking at Kathiani in Machakos County during a Boda Boda empowerment event, the lawmakers defended the ongoing empowerment programs, saying it was a good course towards helping growing small businesses.

Mr. Musyoka told off critics of empowerment programs, asking them to instead initiate their own.

During the event, at least Ksh.2 million was raised to be shared amongst 80 organized groups drawn from Kathiani Constituency.