The University of Nairobi (UoN) saw the greatest drop in student enrolment in the current fiscal year, even though the total female population across institutions of higher learning reached a five-year high.
According to official data from The Economic Survey 2023, the number of students registered at UoN for undergraduate and postgraduate studies has decreased by 24% to 36,251 from 47,693 in the fiscal year 2021/22.
Moi University recorded the second-largest reduction, with enrollment falling 22% to 20,919.
Kenyatta University's enrollment fell by 3% to 67,905 students as competition from private and new public universities increased. A reduction in enrollment at the leading public colleges has been reported.
Female enrollment in undergraduate and postgraduate courses increased by 6% to 186,712 in the current fiscal year, while male enrollment fell by 3% to 263,926.
This is the greatest number of female students admitted in five years, during which male student enrollment has continuously fallen.
Male enrollment in undergraduate and postgraduate courses at public universities reached a five-year high of 275,614 in the fiscal year ending June 2021 but has fallen.
Tuition rates at UoN were raised two years ago. New public universities have increased pressure on UoN and other premier colleges such as Moi and Kenyatta University. The reduction in student enrollment appears to undermine efforts by the top public universities to raise more cash and stem financial woes that have worsened in recent years.
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