REPRIEVE FOR UNIVERSITY STUDENTS AS HELB RELEASES KSH.9.4B

The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) has disbursed Ksh.9.46 billion to support more than 309,000 university students across the country.

Education Cabinet Secretary Migos Ogamba confirmed the release on Tuesday, noting that the funds will ease financial pressure on students and families ahead of the new academic cycle.

According to the ministry, Ksh.5.76 billion will be directed to tuition payments while Ksh.3.7 billion will cover student upkeep. Beneficiaries have been advised to check their HELB portals for confirmation and details of their individual loan accounts.

The government recently increased funding to the agency by Ksh.5 billion, raising HELB’s annual allocation from Ksh.36 billion to Ksh.41 billion. Officials say the additional resources are aimed at widening access to higher education loans and bursaries.

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has linked the move to broader reforms in the education sector, including reduced university fees and expanded support for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions. The measures are part of a strategy to provide students with industry-relevant skills while keeping education affordable.

The disbursement offers relief to thousands of learners who had raised concerns about delayed funding at the start of the semester.