On August 19, 2025, the Kenyan government, through the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB), disbursed a total of Ksh9.46 billion to support 309,178 university students across the country. The funds, which consist of Ksh5.76 billion for tuition fees and Ksh3.7 billion for student upkeep, are intended to ensure that higher education remains accessible and affordable for all students.
HELB Disbursements Update
Julius Ogamba, the Cabinet Secretary for Education, shared the update in a statement and emphasized the government’s continued commitment to improving access to higher education.
“The Government will continue to provide the requisite funding to ensure that higher education remains accessible and affordable, and that no student is left behind on account of financial limitations,” Ogamba said.
Students were encouraged to check their HELB portals to confirm receipt of their disbursements and to view detailed information about their individual loan accounts.
Loan Applications Open for New and Continuing Students
In addition to the disbursements, HELB announced that applications for first-time and continuing undergraduate students, as well as Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) students, are still open. As of August 18, 2025, over 961,000 students had submitted their loan applications, with 660,560 undergraduate applications and 300,463 TVET applications.
The application window is set to close on August 31, 2025, and eligible students are urged to submit their applications on time to secure funding for the upcoming academic year.
Student Contribution and Tuition Fees
The Ministry of Education has also made strides in reducing the cost of university programs. Tuition fees for university students will range from a minimum of Ksh5,814 per semester to a maximum of Ksh75,000, depending on the student’s need and the program cost. This adjustment follows government directives aimed at easing the financial burden on students.
CS Ogamba also encouraged students to confirm their tuition loan allocations through their HELB portals and liaise with their respective universities to adhere to fee payment timelines.
HELB Service Expansion and Access
To improve access to services, HELB has expanded its network of services through Huduma Centres nationwide, including locations in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, and Eldoret. These centres provide in-person assistance to students seeking help with loan applications and other services. Additionally, HELB’s mobile application allows users to apply for loans directly from their smartphones, ensuring that students can access funding from anywhere.
New Training Loan for Civil Servants
In another significant development, HELB has partnered with the Ministry of Public Service to introduce a training loan for employees in the National and County Governments, National Police Service, and the Teachers Service Commission (TSC). This initiative offers a study loan of up to Ksh500,000 at a low interest rate of 4% per annum.
“The loan is designed to support the professional development of civil servants and enhance their skills,” stated the HELB announcement.
Conclusion
The Ksh9.46 billion HELB disbursement marks a significant milestone in the Kenyan government’s efforts to enhance access to higher education. With the digital expansion of services and new loan opportunities, students and civil servants alike can look forward to continued support in their educational and professional journeys.
