802,159 students set to benefit as HELB disburses Ksh23.1B
By Faith Lagat, August 29, 2025More than 800,000 university and TVET students have received a financial boost after the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) and the Universities Fund disbursed Ksh23.16 billion to ease the cost of higher education.
The Ministry of Education confirmed the disbursement in a statement yesterday, saying the funds are aimed at cushioning learners from economic hardships and ensuring access to education is not interrupted by financial constraints.
Breakdown of allocation
According to the ministry, the Universities Fund has released Ksh4.1 billion in scholarships to public university students, while HELB has disbursed Ksh19.06 billion. Of the HELB allocation, Sh7.6 billion will go to tuition and Ksh11.46 billion to upkeep, channelled directly to students’ designated accounts as they report to their institutions.
“We are pleased to notify parents, guardians, and students that the Universities Fund and the Higher Education Loans Board have, as of today, disbursed a total of Sh23.16 billion in financial support to 802,159 University and TVET students across the country,” read the statement signed by the Office of the Cabinet Secretary.
Government commitment
The announcement came a day after Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Ogamba reiterated the government’s resolve to strengthen student financing during a visit to the University of Embu admissions desk.
“The government will ensure timely disbursement of HELB loans and scholarship allocations to support university students,” he assured, noting that education access remains a central priority for the ministry.
The move follows a recent increase in HELB’s annual budget from Ksh36 billion to Ksh41 billion, with Ksh5 billion added to expand access to loans and scholarships. So far, Ksh13 billion has been released for tuition and upkeep, while Ksh16.9 billion has been channelled to the Universities Fund for scholarships.
First-year support
Under the Student-Centred Funding Model, 201,695 first-year university students, more than 237,000 TVET trainees, and 257,523 continuing students are expected to benefit. Disbursements began on August 15, 2025, targeting learners reporting for the new academic year.
To accommodate logistical delays, the deadline for first-year applicants has been extended to September 14, 2025. “To ensure that no student is left behind, the Universities Fund and HELB have been instructed to extend the deadline for first-year applicants,” the ministry stated.
The phased disbursement is expected to ease the transition for new students while reinforcing the government’s commitment to equitable access to quality education.