Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba has directed that the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) application portal remain open until September 14, 2025, to give more students a chance to secure financial support.
Speaking in an interview on Thursday, September 4, Ogamba said the extension is aimed at ensuring that no eligible student is locked out of higher education funding due to delays in the application process.
“I did request and directed that the application portal be extended, remain open until the 14th of this month, so that we do not have any student who wishes to apply not to be able to apply,” he stated.
Expanded Eligibility
The CS clarified that the extension applies to both government-sponsored and self-sponsored students, including those in private universities. However, he noted that scholarships remain limited to specific categories, while loans are open to all eligible applicants.
“Whether self-sponsored or even in private universities, you are entitled to a HELB loan. What you would not get is the scholarship,” he explained.
Ogamba further revealed that the government is considering broadening access to include students in teacher training colleges, medical training institutions, and even those studying abroad who may face sudden financial hurdles.
Increased Funding Commitment
Highlighting the government’s efforts to strengthen higher education, the CS said allocations to HELB and the Universities Fund have almost doubled in two years—from Ksh45 billion in the 2022/23 financial year to Ksh85 billion in 2024/25.
“We are doing everything that we can to ensure that no student who has qualified to go to university loses that opportunity because of financial constraint,” Ogamba affirmed.
Student Support Measures
To make the process more accessible, HELB has deployed help desks in universities where students can receive direct assistance with applications. The loan portal also features an appeal option for those wishing to contest the amounts allocated.
The extension is expected to benefit thousands of students across the country as they prepare for the new academic year.
