The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) has released Ksh3.32 billion in loans for university students.
In a statement dated Tuesday, February 4, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba confirmed that the funds were disbursed through HELB for first- and second-year students.
“The Government disbursed a total of Ksh3.32 billion by January 31, 2025, for first- and second-year students during the 2024/2025 academic year,” read part of the statement.
According to Ogamba, the disbursements, made through HELB, are intended to support students’ upkeep. The upkeep loans, which play a crucial role in ensuring student welfare, range from Ksh40,000 to Ksh60,000 per student.
HELB Disburses University Funds Days After Students Protests
The Education CS further stated that these disbursements are part of the funds that had already been allocated in July 2024 under the current financial year’s budgetary and appropriation framework.
The release of the funds follows protests by university students over delays in loan disbursement.
A group of University of Nairobi (UoN) students stormed HELB headquarters at Anniversary Towers on Monday, January 3, 2025, demanding immediate action.
The students argued that the delays had left many struggling to cover essential academic and personal expenses.
Also Read: Thika Road Closed as Kenyatta University Students Stage Protests
During the protest, some UoN students attempted to force entry into the HELB offices, while others engaged in discussions with police officers in an effort to gain access.
Kenyatta University also students blocked a section of Thika Road as they marched towards Anniversary Towers in solidarity.
Following the nationwide demonstrations, HELB announced that it would disburse funds to first and second-year students using the previous funding model.
This decision was made pending a ruling on its appeal against the High Court’s suspension of the new university funding model.
High Court Declares New University Funding Model Unconstitutional
On December 20, 2024, the High Court declared the new university funding model unconstitutional.
Justice Chacha Mwita ruled that the new funding framework was unlawful due to its lack of legal foundation and discriminatory in nature.
Also Read: Why Select University Students Have Not Received HELB Cash
“It should have been subjected to the public for input before its implementation,” Justice Mwita stated.
The government is now awaiting the outcome of its appeal as HELB continues disbursing funds under the old model.
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