NAIROBI, Kenya — Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has accused President William Ruto of misleading Kenyans with his promise of free university education, arguing that the government has no clear financial provision for the programme.
Speaking during an interview on KTN News, Gachagua claimed President Ruto’s latest budget had already been approved by the National Assembly and did not contain funding for a fully free university education programme.
“Ruto’s last budget has already been approved by the National Assembly. There is no provision for free university education. He will be judged on the lies he has told the people of Kenya,” Gachagua said.
The Democratic Change Party (DCP) leader dismissed the President’s announcement as unrealistic, accusing the government of making promises without providing the resources required to implement them.
“HELB was working. It is just another lie. And you know this man lies without blinking,” he said.
Gachagua insisted that the current higher education financing system was already serving its purpose, questioning why the government was introducing a new approach without clear budgetary backing.
“There is no provision for free education. It is a lie,” he added.
President Ruto recently announced plans to move towards a model where students joining universities and colleges would receive full government support, saying financial background should not determine access to higher education.
The announcement has triggered debate over what the proposed “free university education” model will cover, including whether it will involve full scholarships, expanded government grants, loans or a combination of financing options.
The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) has traditionally played a key role in financing students through loans and bursaries, while the government has been reviewing the country’s higher education funding framework.
Gachagua’s remarks add to growing political criticism of the President’s education pledge, with opposition leaders demanding more details on the cost, funding source and implementation timeline.
The government has maintained that the reforms are aimed at ensuring more students access higher education without being locked out by financial challenges.
The President’s promise is expected to remain a major political talking point as parties position themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election.