Graduation is often seen as the culmination of years of hard work, sacrifice, and dedication, but for many students in Kenya, the journey to this milestone is anything but easy. My own story is one of perseverance through insurmountable challenges—challenges that included street vending, hunger, and the harsh realities of a system not built to support students like me.

My journey to university graduation was not typical. While many of my peers attended classes and focused on their studies, I was often on the streets of Nairobi, trying to make ends meet by selling confectionery.

 Nairobi, with its bustling streets and overwhelming pace, became my battleground. I would wake up at the crack of dawn to head to busy corners of the city—places like Kenyatta Avenue and Moi Avenue—hoping to sell enough candy, biscuits, and juices to fund my education. On bad days, the sales were dismal, and I'd return home with barely enough to survive.

It wasn’t just the long hours and lack of sales that wore me down—it was the constant struggle to have enough food. Some days, the hunger was unbearable. I would go without meals for hours or even days. On days when the situation became desperate, I would scour Lancing Lane Market in Nairobi, a hub for vendors and traders, to find scraps of food that could keep me going.

The Harsh Realities of University Life in Kenya

Kenya’s university education system is notoriously difficult, especially for students from lower-income backgrounds. 

According to recent statistics from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), the cost of higher education in Kenya has risen significantly over the past few years, placing immense pressure on families and students.

 In 2023, the average annual cost of tuition fees for a public university in Kenya was about KSh 50,000, excluding living expenses, books, and other necessities. Many students, like myself, have to juggle multiple part-time jobs or find alternative ways to fund their education, which is not only exhausting but also affects academic performance.

Despite these hurdles, the government has recently introduced a new funding model under President William Ruto’s administration. The new model, known as the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) restructuring, allocates university funds based on the family’s financial capacity. 

On paper, this seems like a step forward in making education more accessible. However, the reality is that this model has created more challenges for students, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Under the new funding model, a large number of students, especially those from lower-income families, are finding it harder to secure adequate financial support. 

This is because the government has significantly reduced the amount allocated per student, and the eligibility criteria have become stricter. According to a report by The Standard (2023), the total government allocation for higher education has been reduced by 30%, which leaves many students unable to meet the rising costs of their education.

Overcoming Adversity: The Road to Graduation

Despite the financial strain and the daily battles, I refused to give up. There were moments when it seemed like giving up was the only option. But I held onto the dream of graduating, knowing that it was the only way out of the cycle of poverty.

 I found solace in the few moments I had to study, often in crowded coffee shops or quiet corners of the university library. Every page I turned, every assignment I completed, was a testament to my determination to succeed, no matter the obstacles.

The support I received from friends, professors, and fellow students was invaluable. They became my family, offering encouragement and, when possible, resources. Together, we formed a tight-knit community, helping each other navigate the academic rigors of university life, especially in the face of financial challenges. But even with this support, the pressure was often overwhelming.

The Impact of Kenya’s Current Funding Model

The new funding structure introduced under President Ruto’s government has made the financial challenges even more daunting.

 While some students are benefiting from the new system, many others are falling through the cracks. For students like me, who come from less privileged backgrounds, the shrinking pool of financial aid has made it more difficult to stay in school. 

The Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis (KIPPRA) has reported that, with the new loan model, students from poor households are receiving less assistance, making it harder for them to afford tuition, housing, and daily expenses. 

This funding model has unintentionally created a divide, favoring students from wealthier backgrounds and leaving those from low-income families struggling even more.

As a result, a growing number of students are forced to take up part-time work or resort to informal street vending, just as I did, in order to fund their education. This only exacerbates the challenges they face, as they have to juggle work, study, and the emotional strain of living in poverty.

A Glimmer of Hope: Graduation and Beyond

Despite everything, I finally graduated with my degree in hand. The moment I walked across that stage, I knew that all the struggles, the hunger, and the days I spent scavenging for food were worth it.

 I had fought through a system that wasn’t designed for me to succeed, but I did it anyway. This victory was not just mine—it was for every student who has had to fight against the odds to earn a degree in Kenya.

While Kenya’s education system remains a challenge for many, stories of perseverance like mine serve as a beacon of hope. However, it is clear that significant reforms are needed if we are to truly make education accessible for all students, regardless of their socio-economic background.

 With the current funding model, it will be harder for future students to achieve their academic dreams unless we invest in better financial support systems, increase government allocations, and ensure that no student is left behind due to financial constraints.

In the end, education remains one of the most powerful tools for breaking the cycle of poverty, but we must ensure that it is within reach for every Kenyan, not just the privileged few.