The Technical University of Kenya has allowed Government-sponsored first-year students to start attending lectures even before they pay the required fees.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Benedict Mutua, assured the new students that the Government had extended the loan and scholarship application deadline to enable those that had not applied to do so by 21st September 2026.
The VC made reference to the circular dated 3rd September 2026 and signed by Education Cabinet Secretary, Mr Julius Migos Ogamba which said: “For avoidance of doubt, it is notified for the general information of the public that applications for funding for first time applicants will be considered and processed in accordance with the current Student –Centred Funding Model. Appropriate transitional mechanisms to the Universal Access and Funding Framework shall be implemented once Parliament passes the Tertiary Education Placement and Funding Bill, 2026”
Prof Mutua went on to say: “Starting next Monday, just attend your lectures whether you have or not paid the required fees. Those of you that have not already applied for loans and scholarships need to take advantage of the extension and apply.”
The VC made these remarks when he addressed first-year students as they completed the orientation programme that started on Monday 31st August, 2026.
Flanked by the DVC-Institutional Advancement and Enterprise Prof. Wambua, DVC-Academic and Student Affairs, Prof. Amutabi, Directors, Deans of Faculty, Chairpersons of Department and other administration staff, the VC urged students to anchor their university life on a simple formula: "Focus plus discipline plus consistency equals success."
He advised that university life demands a different kind of discipline from high school. "The success of university requires personal responsibility, not dependent on constant reminders. Just track your own timelines and stay alert to notices on the student portal.”
On life in the city, the VC urged the students to be careful. "Please, do not be enticed by the CBD life," he told the students, cautioning them to guard their property, choose their friends wisely and avoid unnecessary risk. Nairobi is very nice, and at the same time very unforgiving."
He also cautioned students against letting artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies to think for them. "These technologies cannot replace you. Don't be robots. Let AI make your work more effective and efficient not a shortcut."
Prof. Mutua further asked the new students to embrace the diversity of the TU-K community, noting that the university draws learners from different ethnic and financial backgrounds. "That is going to enrich our stay together as brothers and sisters."
Building confidence, he added, is about where you choose to look. "Confidence level equals success over failure. Focus on your successes." Borrowing a familiar saying, he gave it his own twist: "Never cry over spilled milk. Stand up with confidence. Run after the cow, get fresh milk."
He concluded by welcoming the students into the TU-K family, urging them to dream boldly, work diligently, think critically, innovate fearlessly, lead ethically, respect others and serve humanity.
The VC closed by encouraging the students to feel free and without hesitation, knock on the doors of relevant University offices to get necessary support whenever they are faced with any challenge or dilemma.