The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) has released KSh 9.46 billion to cater to the financial needs of more than 300,000 university and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) students across the country.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, August 19, the board confirmed that a total of 309,178 students had received loans for the new academic year.
Out of the disbursed funds, KSh 5.76 billion has been directed toward tuition fees, while KSh 3.7 billion has been allocated for student upkeep.
“Students are advised to check their HELB portals to confirm receipt of the funds and to access detailed information regarding their individual loan accounts,” HELB stated.
The announcement comes as universities prepare for the new academic term, with many students relying on HELB loans to pay tuition and meet basic living expenses. The board reassured parents, guardians, and students that the government remains committed to keeping higher education affordable and accessible.
“The Government will continue to provide the requisite funding to ensure that higher education remains accessible and that no student is left behind on account of financial limitations,” the statement added.
This year has seen a record number of applicants.
As of August 18, HELB reported receiving 961,023 applications, reflecting a sharp rise in demand for financial aid. Out of these, 660,560 applications were from undergraduate students, while 300,463 came from TVET trainees.
The spike in applications has been attributed to rising enrollment in both public and private institutions, alongside increased awareness of the financial aid opportunities provided by HELB.
Despite the large number of beneficiaries, HELB emphasized that students who have not yet applied for loans still have time to do so. The application window will remain open until August 31, 2025.
First-time applicants are required to apply through the official HELB website at www.hef.co.ke, while continuing students can conveniently access the loans through the HELB mobile app or by dialing USSD code *642#.
Education stakeholders have welcomed the disbursement, noting that timely release of funds is vital in reducing student unrest and ensuring smooth academic progress.
Universities and colleges also benefit from the tuition component of the loans, which supports institutional operations.
HELB’s assurance of continuous support underscores the government’s broader policy of expanding access to higher education. With more than 309,000 students already funded this cycle, the board’s role remains central in shaping the future of Kenya’s skilled workforce.
As the August 31 deadline approaches, students are encouraged to submit their applications promptly to avoid last-minute rushes or delays in processing.
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