A section of first-year students in public universities is yet to receive financial support from the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB), leaving many stranded without money for food and accommodation.
Several students told the Nation they had applied for funding through the Higher Education Financing (HEF) portal but have not received any disbursements despite assurances from the Ministry of Education that allocations would align with university opening dates.
“I applied long ago, but nothing has come my way,” said a University of Nairobi journalism student, who reported to campus a week ago. A Kenyatta University biotechnology student echoed the frustration, saying her portal still reads “processing.”
Some students are surviving on cheap roadside meals such as smocha—a chapati wrap with smokies and kachumbari—since campus hostels prohibit cooking and meals at students’ messes now cost around Sh120. KU last year revised prices, pushing ugali from Sh8 to Sh25 and beans from Sh12 to Sh25.
Others without hostel space have resorted to sharing houses in nearby estates. “Sometimes I feel like I’m bothering my parents with the many calls for money,” said a KU statistics student.
Meanwhile, those who received funding report a smoother transition. A UoN anthropology student confirmed receiving Sh127,564 in tuition and Sh27,200 for upkeep on August 25, while a KU economics student said his household contribution stands at Sh18,500.
Education CS Julius Ogamba last week announced that HELB had disbursed Sh9.46 billion to 309,178 students, though he noted the rollout would be phased, with October semester students receiving funds later. HELB CEO Geoffrey Monari said applications will run until August 31 and assured all eligible students will benefit.
HELB, a revolving fund that depends on loan repayments, faces pressure from rising enrolments and growing loan defaults, limiting its ability to meet student needs.
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