Kenya’s public universities are technically insolvent. Vice Chancellors have told the National Assembly that total debt—owed to KRA, pension schemes, and suppliers—has ballooned to Sh70 billion, threatening to shut down higher education.

"We are running on empty," said the Chair of the VCs Committee. They are demanding an immediate Sh20 billion bailout and a revision of the funding model, which they say underfunds students from needy backgrounds. Without intervention, universities like Egerton and Moi risk auctioneers closing their gates.