The National Assembly of Kenya Departmental Committee on Education has raised alarm over a deepening financial crisis facing public universities, revealing that outstanding pending bills have surpassed Sh100 billion.
According to a report presented to the House Budget and Appropriations Committee and cited by the Daily Nation, the Sh164.1 billion allocation to the State Department for Higher Education in the 2026/27 financial year is insufficient to address the growing funding gap affecting institutions of higher learning.
The committee warned that the shortfall poses a serious threat to the quality of education, research activities, and the overall sustainability of public universities across the country.
Lawmakers further disclosed that at least 11 public universities are technically insolvent due to mounting debt, unremitted statutory deductions, and persistent operational deficits. The institutions are reportedly struggling to meet their financial obligations, including staff salaries, pension contributions, and payments to suppliers.
Members of the committee have called for urgent government intervention, warning that failure to address the crisis could lead to further deterioration in learning conditions and jeopardize the future of higher education in Kenya.
Source Attributed: Nation Media Group