The Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) has unveiled the 2026 list of institutions eligible for government scholarships and Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) funding. This announcement, made on January 22, 2026, reveals that a total of 42 public universities and the Open University of Kenya are qualified for both government scholarships and HELB loans, making them the primary recipients of government-backed financial support for higher education.
In contrast, 30 private universities have been approved for HELB loans only, meaning students admitted to these institutions will not be eligible for government scholarships. The move is designed to ensure that public universities and the Open University of Kenya continue to benefit from government financial aid, in line with President William Ruto’s administration’s commitment to accessible higher education.
In addition to the universities, KUCCPS revealed that 272 public colleges offering Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs are also eligible for both government scholarships and HELB loans. This expansion aims to strengthen education in TVETs and encourage more students to enroll in skill-based programs that are increasingly in demand in the labor market.
The list also includes 153 public colleges operating under various government ministries, including the Kenya Medical Training Colleges (KMTC), which are eligible for HELB loans only. Furthermore, 35 university-level TVET institutions have been included in the eligibility list, although these institutions do not qualify for either government scholarships or HELB loans.
The latest announcement follows a significant increase in the HELB loan budget for the 2025/2026 financial cycle, which was raised from Ksh36 billion to Ksh41 billion. The additional Ksh5 billion will support a larger number of students, with Ksh13 billion allocated for tuition and Ksh16.9 billion directed towards scholarships.
List of Public Universities Eligible for HELB & Govt Scholarship
- Multimedia University of Kenya
- Murang’a University of Technology
- Nyandarua University College
- Open University of Kenya
- Pwani University
- Rongo University
- South Eastern Kenya University
- Taita Taveta University
- Technical University of Kenya
- Technical University of Mombasa
- Tharaka University
- Tom Mboya University
- Turkana University College
- University of Eldoret
- University of Embu
- University of Kabianga
- University of Nairobi
- Alupe University
- Bomet University College
- Chuka University
- Co-operative University of Kenya
- Dedan Kimathi university of technology
- Egerton University
- Garissa University
- Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology
- Jomo kenyatta University of Agriculture and technology
- Kabarnet University College
- Kaimosi Friends University
- Karatina University
- Kenyatta University
- Kenya University- Mama Ngina University College
- Kibabii University
- Kirinyaga University
- Kisii University
- Koitaleel Samoei University College
- Laikipia university
- Maasai Mara University
- Machakos university
- Maseno university
- Masinde muliro university of science & Technology
- Meru University of Science and Technology
- Moi University
The classification is meant to guide students and parents during the placement and application process, to ensure they make informed selections.
