Government disburses Sh23.16 billion to university, TVET students
The Universities Fund and HELB have already disbursed funds to 802,159 university and TVET students nationwide, with upkeep funds being sent directly to students’ designated payment channels as they report to their institutions.
The Ministry of Education has announced that Sh23.16 billion has been disbursed to support university and TVET students nationwide, with the Universities Fund providing Sh4.1 billion in scholarships to public universities and the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) releasing Sh19.06 billion for tuition and student upkeep.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has also extended the deadline for first-year applicants to September 14, 2025, to ensure that no student is left behind.
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According to the Ministry, the extension applies specifically to first-year students who have not yet applied for financial support.
"Students are advised to check their Higher Education Funding portals to confirm the disbursement status. To ensure that no student is left behind, the Universities Fund and the Higher Education Loans Board have been instructed to extend the deadline for first-year applicants to September 14, 2025," he added.
The Universities Fund and HELB have already disbursed funds to 802,159 university and TVET students nationwide, with upkeep funds being sent directly to students’ designated payment channels as they report to their institutions.
HELB’s release includes Sh7.6 billion for tuition and Sh11.46 billion for upkeep, while the Universities Fund provides scholarships for students in public universities.
"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," said Ogamba.
The Kenya Union of Students Organisations (KUSO) had called for a nationwide demonstration, citing delays in HELB loan disbursements. In a statement issued on August 29, 2025, KUSO said students had endured “consistent lies, miscommunication, and unnecessary delays,” which had left them unable to pay fees, feed themselves, or meet basic living needs.
"These delays have rendered comrades helpless, unable to feed themselves, pay fees, or meet basic living needs. HELB is not a privilege; it is our right, and it must be respected," they stated.
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