A lifeline for students: How to secure up to 70% university funding

Universities Fund CEO Edwin Wanyonyi during an interview

As thousands of students edge closer to university admission, a critical window is opening, one that could determine whether higher education becomes affordable or out of reach.

The message from the Universities Fund is clear: this is not the time to hesitate.

“This is free money from the government,” says Universities Fund CEO Edwin Wanyonyi. “Unlike a loan, you won’t be required to pay it back. This is the equity player, it allows you to jumpstart your life.”

At the heart of the scholarship process is something called Means Testing; a detailed assessment designed to determine how much support each student truly needs. It’s not just about grades; it’s about background.

“We look at various factors,” he explains. “Where did you go to primary and secondary school? What fees were you paying? Are your parents employed? Are you an orphan? All this helps us understand your level of need.”

That level of need directly influences how much funding a student receives. The Universities Fund is offering scholarships covering 30% to 70% of tuition costs, with the remainder shared between family contributions and loans.

But there’s a catch; accuracy matters.

“It is so important that a student declares truthful information,” Wanyonyi emphasizes. “If you say you are an orphan, provide death certificates. The application is data-driven, and we rely on correct information to make fair decisions.”

The Fund has already encountered cases of false claims, including students pretending to be orphans. Such misrepresentation not only undermines the system but could cost deserving applicants their chance at full support.

To streamline the process, the Fund has invested heavily in technology. “We can now process data for over 400,000 students within minutes,” he notes. “The system is seamless but only if applicants upload all the required documents. Missing paperwork could mean missing out on maximum funding.”

So when should students act?

The timeline is already in motion. After sitting their final exams and receiving results, students are currently going through placement via KUCCPS, which closes on May 6, followed by a revision period. Once placements are finalized, universities will issue admission letters.

“By the first week of July, we expect to open our portal for scholarship applications,” Edwin says.

Parents and guardians also have a crucial role to play.

“Part of the Means Testing is not just about the student, it’s about the parent,” he adds. “I encourage parents to be present and attentive during the application process.”

As the countdown begins, the advice is simple: prepare early, gather your documents, and tell the truth. For many students, this scholarship could be the bridge between ambition and achievement.

Miss it and you might be leaving opportunity behind.