Helb disburses Sh1.56 billion in tuition, upkeep loans after Ruto’s order
Ogamba confirmed that HELB had disbursed the funds on Friday, March 15. He noted that a total of 31,263 TVET trainees and 33,863 university students would benefit from the allocation.
The government has disbursed Sh1.56 billion to university students and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) trainees for tuition and upkeep through the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB), following a directive from President William Ruto last Wednesday.
Speaking in Dagoretti South, Ruto acknowledged the financial challenges facing HELB and directed the Head of Public Service to ensure the issues were resolved promptly.
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He even joked that students should call him if the money had not hit their accounts by the end of the week.
“I know there have been some delays, but I have asked the Head of Public Service to sort this issue immediately. If the money is not in your accounts by Friday, call me. There are some people I am going to take action against,” Ruto said.
In a statement on Tuesday, March 18, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba confirmed that HELB had disbursed the funds on Friday, March 15. He noted that a total of 31,263 TVET trainees and 33,863 university students would benefit from the allocation.
“On Friday, March 14, 2025, HELB disbursed Sh1.56 billion to students and trainees for tuition and upkeep. The beneficiary students and trainees have since been notified of the disbursements through HELB's official communication channels and advised to check their HELB portals,” Ogamba said.
According to the Ministry of Education, the latest disbursement brings the total amount allocated in the 2024/2025 financial year to Sh32.7 billion. So far, 195,522 TVET trainees and 390,612 university students have received financial assistance.
Ogamba reiterated that the funding would ensure students and trainees continue with their academic, training and research programmes without interruption.
“The provision of this funding will ensure that student and trainee needs are met, enabling them to focus on their studies without financial strain,” he said.
He reaffirmed that the government is committed to supporting higher education by ensuring timely disbursements to students and trainees pursuing their academic and training goals.
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