The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) has issued a notice to students joining universities in September 2025 regarding scholarships and loans.
In a statement on August 16, Education Cabinet Secretary (CS) Julius Ogamba said HELB has issued loans to 136,634 students who applied through the Student-Centered Funding Model for the 2025/2026 academic year.
As of 15th August 2025, the Higher Education Loans Board [HELB] has awarded loans to 136, 634 eligible university first time applicants, who have submitted their loan applications under the Student-Centered Funding Model for the 2025/2026 academic year.
Further, Ogamba said the university fees payable by students per semester will range from a minimum student contribution per semester of KSh5,814 to a maximum of KSh75,000, following the government’s directive to lower the cost of university programs.
He explained that the variation is dependent on the student’s level of need and the cost of the university programme enrolled in.
Ogamba said students should check their HELB portal to confirm the status of their upkeep loans.
He also advised the students to contact their respective universities to check the fee payment timelines.
The CS explained that the institutions should access the student’s tuition loan allocation through the HELB portal
All students who have submitted their loan applications are advised to confirm their upkeep loan award status from their HELB student portal in the Higher Education Financing website, www.hef.co.ke, and liaise with their respective university administration offices for fee payment schedules. The universities are required to access the student tuition loan allocation via the HELB institutional portal.
Also Read: Govt Announces Date for University Students to Receive HELB in Their Bank Accounts
All Students to Get Loans
Ogamba emphasized that the progress reaffirms the government’s commitment to quality and equitable access to higher education.
He said the government will ensure that no qualified student is left behind in their pursuit of university studies due to financial constraints.
“The Ministry assures all stakeholders that the Government remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting higher education as a driver of national development,” Ogamba said.
Also Read: 5 Smart Ways to Move Beyond HELB Without Abandoning It
Submitted HELB Applications
As of August 12, HELB said 431,928 students had applied for undergraduate degree loans and scholarships.
On the other hand, 187,569 had submitted applications for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVETs) loans.
“HELB Update! Applications for first-time & continuing UG & TVET loans are open!619,497 students have already applied (as of 12th Aug 2025). Don’t miss out—apply now & secure your funding! See poster below for details,” read the notice.
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Iam a subsequent beneficiary of helb loan and a fort year,I applied for my subsequent form since August 2024 but it has been not disbursed until now, what is the problem.
U need a help loan
To work on business
Good work
I applied for HELB but it brought some challenges when I placed the institution which is Machakos university tvet institute,,,what could be the problem?