More than 136,000 first-time university students have received Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) funding for the 2025/2026 academic year, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has announced.
The loans, disbursed on Friday, are part of the government’s Student-Centred Funding Model, introduced last year to expand access and affordability in higher education. The package covers both tuition fees and maintenance costs.
“This action underscores the government’s commitment to supporting learners under the new funding model,” Ogamba said in a circular to universities.
Under the system, the cost of university education varies according to a student’s financial need and the programme of study. Semester fees will range from KSh 5,814 to KSh 75,000, with needy students receiving greater support.
HELB urged students to check their loan status through its online portal, which also allows universities to view tuition allocations. Institutions have been advised to align fee payment arrangements with government guidelines to ensure smooth admissions.
Officials said the funding will significantly ease the financial burden on first-time university students across the country, allowing thousands to begin their studies without disruption.
The new funding model, launched as part of a broader reform to strengthen equity in education, is expected to ensure that no qualified student is locked out of university due to lack of resources.
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