HELB loans awarded to 136,000 first-time university students as government caps fees

The Ministry of Education has confirmed that over 136,000 first-time university students have been awarded loans by the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) for the 2025/2026 academic year under the Student-Centred Funding Model.

Following a government directive to lower the cost of university programs, semester fees for students will now range from a minimum contribution of Sh5,814 to a maximum of Sh75,000, depending on the student’s level of need and the cost of the program they are enrolled in.

"As of August 15, 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-Centred Funding Model for the 2025/2026 academic year," said Education Cabinet Secretary, Julius Ogamba.

Students who have submitted their loan applications are advised to confirm their upkeep loan award status via the HELB student portal on the Higher Education Financing website, www.hef.co.ke, and to liaise with their respective university administration offices for fee payment schedules.

Universities are required to access the student tuition loan allocations through the HELB institutional portal.

"This progress reaffirms the Government's commitment to quality and equitable access to higher education, ensuring that no qualified student is left behind in their pursuit of university studies due to financial constraints," said CS Ogamba.

"The Ministry assures all stakeholders that the Government remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting higher education as a driver of national development."

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• 000 first-time university students as government caps fees