Kisumu National Polytechnic Students to Drop Out Over New 75% Fee Policy

Kisumu National Polytechnic Students to Drop Out Over New 75% Fee Policy

A cloud of uncertainty and heartbreak hangs over students at Kisumu National Polytechnic following the introduction of a revised fees policy that many say is pushing them out of school. One student, who had dreamed of becoming an engineer, has been forced to drop out after the institution increased annual fees from Ksh. 70,000 to Ksh. 105,000 and introduced a requirement that at least 75 percent of the fees be paid upfront before admission.

According to the student, the policy fails to account for the financial realities facing many learners who depend on support from the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB). Disbursements from HELB are often delayed, leaving students stranded despite having approved funding.

“While this amount may appear small for the kids of the principal, Ms. Catherine Kelonye, I depend entirely on HELB loans, scholarships, and upkeep allowance to pay my tuition,” the student shared. “My single mum is sick and struggling. We do not have savings to top up fees while waiting for HELB. When the school demands 75 percent immediately, it completely shuts me out.” The emotional toll has been heavy.

The student described the experience as painful and humiliating, watching a lifelong dream collapse due to circumstances beyond personal control. More troubling is that this case is not isolated. In a small circle of about ten friends, six have already dropped out.

Reports indicate that more students are quietly leaving classes each day, unable to meet the new financial threshold. Students are now appealing to the administration to reconsider the 75 percent upfront payment rule.

They propose a return to previous arrangements that allowed learners to report based on HELB approval limits and settle balances once disbursements were made.

“If the school will still require students to clear fees before graduation, then why punish us now—when the only issue is HELB delay?” the student posed. “The school can wait for disbursement, but students cannot wait forever as their lives fall apart.”

The situation at Kisumu National Polytechnic reflects a broader crisis facing many learners in national polytechnics across Kenya.

For thousands of students from vulnerable backgrounds, higher education remains a fragile opportunity — one easily shattered by policy shifts and systemic delays beyond their control. As the debate continues, affected students hope their plea will be heard before more dreams are deferred.