The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) has disbursed loans to 136,634 first-time university students for the 2025/2026 academic year, according to Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba. This funding is part of the Student-Centred Funding Model, introduced to ensure that students from diverse financial backgrounds have equitable access to higher education.

Ogamba confirmed the loans were successfully disbursed on August 15, 2025, easing financial barriers for thousands entering university.

Loans to Cover Tuition and Upkeep

The awarded HELB loans are designed to cover both tuition fees and student upkeep, offering comprehensive support. This move aims to reduce dropouts and allow students to focus on their studies without the burden of financial stress.

Students can now access their loan award status through the HELB student portal on the Higher Education Financing website.

Revised Fee Structure Based on Need

The Ministry of Education has implemented a sliding fee scale, with semester fees ranging between Ksh5,814 and Ksh75,000. The amount each student pays depends on two key factors:

• -Their level of financial need.

• -The cost of the academic program they are enrolled in.

This new structure aligns with the government's broader plan to make university education more affordable and equitable.

University and Student Responsibilities

While students are expected to verify and track their loans via the student portal, universities have been instructed to:

• -Access student tuition loan allocations through the HELB institutional portal.

• -Coordinate with students to ensure timely payment of fees based on the awards issued.

This integrated approach ensures a smooth flow of funds and transparency in the distribution process.

A Step Toward Inclusive Higher Education

Education CS Julius Ogamba emphasized that this initiative is part of the government’s continued efforts to support inclusive and quality education.

“This progress reaffirms the Government's commitment to quality and equitable access to higher education, ensuring that no qualified student is left behind due to financial constraints,” said Ogamba.

The Ministry reiterated its commitment to supporting education as a driver of national development, ensuring that academic pursuits are not derailed by economic hardship.