HELB Loan Disbursements Kick Off as Government Increases Funding by Sh5 Billion

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HELB Loan Disbursements Kick Off as Government Increases Funding by Sh5 Billion

HELB Rolls Out Loans Following Major Government Funding Boost

Money worries just got a little lighter for students starting university and TVET colleges across Kenya. The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) kicked off its loan disbursement for first-year students on August 15, in a move that landed right alongside the reopening of university doors. What’s making this year different? The government's decision to pump an extra Sh5 billion into HELB, growing its total pot from Sh36 billion to Sh41 billion for the 2025/2026 cycle.

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba didn’t hold back when sharing the news. He pointed out that the Ministry of Education is backing both HELB and the Universities Fund to make sure cash gets to students and institutions without delay. By planning this phased release — some money upfront, more to follow — the government wants new students to settle in fast and keep their academic lives on track.

This year’s boost shines through in the numbers. The Sh13 billion for tuition and upkeep is already out the door, and Sh16.9 billion is earmarked for the Universities Fund to cover scholarships. On top of that, the Universities Fund has started releasing its own scholarship payments directly to public universities — even before the HELB disbursement got rolling.

Strong Demand for Loans and Scholarships, More Time to Apply

Strong Demand for Loans and Scholarships, More Time to Apply

Kenyans aren’t wasting their shot. The Student-Centred Funding Model (SCFM) has caught on quickly, with 129,403 university hopefuls and 60,976 trainees at technical and vocational colleges (TVETs) already submitting applications for a mix of loans and scholarships. To put this in perspective, that’s 64% of the university crowd and just over half of all TVET applicants expected this year.

The targets set by the government are no joke — they plan to support 201,695 new university students, more than 237,000 TVET trainees, and over 257,000 students who are continuing their studies. The application process stays open until August 31, 2025, so there's still a window for those who haven't applied yet.

Cabinet Secretary Ogamba summed things up simply: no eligible Kenyan should miss out on higher education because of money. It’s a clear message that with this fresh boost, the government wants to break down financial barriers for students heading to class this year.

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14 Comments

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    Chandan Gond

    August 20, 2025 AT 04:51
    THIS IS HUGE!!! 🎉 Finally, someone in Kenya is treating education like a RIGHT, not a luxury! I’m crying happy tears for all those kids who thought college was out of reach. Sh5 billion? That’s not a drop in the bucket-that’s a tsunami of hope! 🇰🇪💪
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    Hailey Parker

    August 22, 2025 AT 02:16
    Let’s be real-this is the kind of policy that doesn’t get enough applause. But behind the numbers? It’s a kid in Kisumu who can now buy textbooks instead of selling mangoes after class. The government didn’t just fund loans-they funded dreams. And honestly? That’s more powerful than any GDP stat.
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    John Bartow

    August 22, 2025 AT 02:51
    You know what’s fascinating? The phased disbursement model. It’s not just about handing out cash-it’s about behavioral economics. Front-loading funds helps with psychological anchoring: students feel secure from day one, which reduces dropout rates. Plus, it aligns with the way universities operate-tuition deadlines, dorm deposits, meal plans. This isn’t charity; it’s smart infrastructure investment. And if you think about it, every shilling spent on education now saves ten later in social services. It’s a classic multiplier effect.
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    Mark L

    August 23, 2025 AT 13:11
    omg this is sooo good!!! 🙌 i have a cousin in Nairobi who just got accepted to JKUAT and she was about to give up… now she’s dancing in her kitchen 😭💖 this is the kind of news that makes me believe in governments again
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    Jacquelyn Barbero

    August 24, 2025 AT 13:25
    I’ve been following HELB’s progress for years. This is the most structured, transparent funding push I’ve seen. The fact that the Universities Fund is already disbursing before HELB even started? That’s operational excellence. Real change doesn’t always shout-it just shows up on time, with receipts.
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    toby tinsley

    August 25, 2025 AT 03:36
    It’s easy to celebrate when the numbers look good. But we should also ask: who’s being left out? Are rural TVET applicants getting equal support? Are students with disabilities included in the outreach? Numbers matter, but equity is the real metric. Let’s keep pushing for inclusion, not just expansion.
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    Chris Richardson

    August 25, 2025 AT 17:55
    This is actually really encouraging. I’ve got a friend in Mombasa who’s been stressing over fees since April. Now she’s got a real shot. The fact that the window’s still open till August 31? That’s thoughtful. Too many systems shut the door before people even realize they need to knock.
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    Arvind Pal

    August 26, 2025 AT 19:41
    Sh5 billion sounds big but in Kenya’s budget it’s still a sliver. Still… better than nothing. I hope they’re tracking repayment rates this time. Last cycle, half the loans turned into ghosts. Let’s not repeat mistakes just because the money’s flowing
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    Mark Archuleta

    August 27, 2025 AT 15:54
    The SCFM implementation is a textbook case of student-centric design-demand-driven, outcome-aligned, and scalable. The 64% application uptake among university applicants suggests strong uptake velocity. Coupled with the parallel disbursement from the Universities Fund, this creates a dual-channel liquidity model that mitigates systemic delays. We’re witnessing a paradigm shift in public education financing.
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    Pete Thompson

    August 28, 2025 AT 18:30
    Oh great. More taxpayer money going to people who can’t even spell ‘university’ right. When did we become a country that rewards mediocrity? Why not just give everyone a free iPhone and call it ‘education’? This is just socialism with a student ID.
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    Richard Berry

    August 29, 2025 AT 11:57
    wait so if i apply now i can still get it? i thought it was too late… this gives me hope 😅 my sister’s in Eldoret and she’s been working nights to save for books… this could change everything
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    Sandy Everett

    August 31, 2025 AT 07:16
    I appreciate the transparency in the breakdown-Sh13B for tuition, Sh16.9B for scholarships. Too often, funding announcements are vague. This clarity helps build trust. And for students who’ve been told ‘you’re not good enough’? This says: you are.
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    J Mavrikos

    September 1, 2025 AT 12:49
    I’m Canadian, but I’ve been watching this unfold. This is the kind of bold move we need more of globally. Education isn’t a cost-it’s an investment with compound interest. Kenya’s doing something right here. Hats off.
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    Stuart Sandman

    September 2, 2025 AT 14:03
    Sh5 billion? That’s the same amount the UK spends on a single F-35 jet. Funny how we call this ‘investment’ here but call it ‘waste’ when it’s our own people. Wake up. This isn’t generosity-it’s damage control. The real question: who’s profiting from this system? The banks? The private colleges? The answer’s always the same.

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