HELB APPLICATION DEADLINE EXTENDED TO SEPTEMBER 14

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba has announced that the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) application portal will remain open until September 14, 2025, giving more students a chance to apply for funding. In an interview on Thursday, September 4, 2025, Ogamba explained that the extension is intended to ensure no qualified student misses out on financial support due to delays in the application process. “I directed that the portal remains open until the 14th of this month so that every student who wishes to apply is able to do so,” the CS stated.

Ogamba clarified that the extension applies to both self-sponsored and private university students, who are also eligible for HELB loans. However, he noted that scholarships remain limited to certain categories. “Whether you are in a self-sponsored program or at a private university, you are entitled to a HELB loan. What you would not qualify for is a government scholarship,” he said.

The CS further revealed that the government is considering widening HELB’s coverage to include students in teacher training colleges, medical training institutions, and even Kenyans studying abroad who may encounter unforeseen financial difficulties. He emphasized the government’s commitment to strengthening higher education funding, pointing out that allocations to HELB and the Universities Fund have nearly doubled in two years—from Ksh45 billion in 2022/2023 to Ksh85 billion in the current financial year.

“We are committed to ensuring that no student who qualifies for university is locked out because of financial challenges,” Ogamba affirmed.

To improve accessibility, HELB has also set up help desks in universities where students can receive on-the-spot assistance with their applications. The online portal additionally provides an option for students to appeal if they wish to contest the amount allocated.