The 2nd Biennial University Financing Conference will take place on February 26-27, 2025 under the theme “Navigating the New Era of Education Financing in Kenya.”

Hosted by the Universities Fund, the high-level conference will convene key stakeholders in higher education, including university leaders, government policymakers, private sector partners, and development organisations to explore innovative and actionable solutions for enhancing the financial sustainability and operational efficiency of Kenyan universities.

This year’s event will focus on promoting innovative funding strategies, optimising financial management, and leveraging digital technology to transform university operations. 

Taking place at Lake Naivasha Resort, the conference comes at a critical juncture in Kenya’s higher education financial landscape, particularly following the High Court decision in December 2024 to quash the Variable Scholarships and Loans Funding (VSLF) model, also known as the New Funding Model (NFM). 

The conference will provide an opportunity to address the critical gaps hindering long-term sustainability and explore alternative funding mechanisms. It aligns with the country’s key economic development priorities – Vision 2030, BETA Agenda and Pan-African Agenda.

“As the demand for quality education grows, so do the financial challenges facing universities. The urgent need for sustainable and innovative financing solutions has become increasingly apparent,” says Mr Monari, Chief Executive Officer, Universities Fund.

The event will be opened by Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba and builds on the successes of the inaugural 2023 conference, which took place in Mombasa from February 23-24, 2023 under the theme, ‘Universities for a Sustainable Future’.